Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

Sunday, June 16, 2002

> Dear Brother Buddy,
>
> What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry? And is it wrong to
> get your ears pierced? I do not mind if you post my question on your
> web page.
>
> I appreciate you taking your time to read and answer my questions.
>
> Sincerely,
> Kandi

Hi Kandi,

Good questions.

First the jewelry. Believe it or not, the wearing of jewelry is sort of a
non-issue in the Bible. However, when jewelry had a connection with
idolatry, then God's people were to remove such jewelry. But for the
most part jewelry is treated as an item of beauty. The key for a
believer would link to the term 'modesty.'

If anyone takes issue with this, then they must take issue with God He
speaks of Israel as a bride adorned with her jewels. Even the high
priestly robes had settings of gold and jewelry. Concerning this God
said, "As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two
stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them
in filigree settings of gold." (Exo28:12)

Consider this prophetic portion; "I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My
soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of
salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a
bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns
herself with her jewels."

This doesn't sound like God considers the wearing of jewelry as a sin.
We are simply instructed not to be adorned in a way so as to have an
overemphasis on clothing and jewelry.

Your second question - "Is it wrong to get your ears pierced."

Again I suggest that it depends on the reason for piercing. If it
connects with idolatry, or, if it has do to with some of the outlandish
worldly piercing that we see today, such as the piercing of other parts
of the body, then I would say it would be wrong.

But here again we have to take issue with God. He commanded the
piercing of the ear of a slave who wished to remain with his master.
(See Deut15:16,17) I realize this may not be the same thing, but it
does deal with piercing the ear.

The Scripture that some fall back on with regard to piercing or tattooing
is Leviticus 19:28, which says, "You shall not make any cuts in your
body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the
LORD." But this Scripture does relate to ear piercing for jewelry
purposes.

The short side would involve personal conscience. The one negative
side would be if a child were involved, and the parents were against
piercing the ears for wearing jewerly. Here we have the honoring of the
father and mother in view.

Hope this helps.

Bro. Buddy

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org