When Jewellery Becomes a Distraction from God
Jewellery has always been part of human culture. In the Old Testament, we do see examples of God’s people wearing ornaments and precious items. For instance, Abraham’s servant gave Rebekah gold bracelets and a nose ring as a sign of betrothal (Genesis 24:22). Even the Israelites, when leaving Egypt, carried jewellery with them (Exodus 12:35–36). Yet, when we step into the New Testament, the emphasis shifts. The focus is no longer on outward adornment, but on the beauty of the inner person.
1. Outward Beauty vs. Inner Beauty
The New Testament consistently warns believers not to put their worth in external decoration.
1 Peter 3:3–4 – “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewellery, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Timothy 2:9–10 – “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
Here, the message is not simply about fashion choices, but about values. Christians are called to be recognized not by luxury or show, but by godliness, humility, and a heart that reflects Christ.
2. The Problem with Expensive Jewellery
While wearing a simple wedding ring or modest accessories may not be sinful, Scripture warns against the danger of wealth, pride, and wastefulness. Expensive jewellery can easily:
- Fuel vanity and pride – Drawing attention to self rather than to Christ.
- Be a stumbling block – Others may be tempted to envy or feel inferior.
- Waste resources – Money spent on excessive adornment could have been used for ministry, charity, or helping those in need.
Jesus said:
Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The question becomes: are we investing in fleeting beauty, or in eternal treasures?
3. A Different Kind of Beauty
The New Testament calls believers to stand out, not by ornaments of gold, but by the beauty of Christ shining through their lives.
- Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
- Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This is the beauty that never fades. It cannot be bought, stolen, or destroyed. It is more valuable than the finest jewels.
4. Living as Examples
As Christians, we are called to be set apart in a world obsessed with appearances and wealth. Wearing extravagant jewellery may not directly break a commandment, but it can weaken our testimony. When unbelievers see us, will they notice our wealth—or Christ in us?
Philippians 2:15 – “…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Our lives should shine with purity, generosity, and humility—not with glittering gold and pearls.
5. Heavenly Riches Await Believers
It is also important to remember that God is not against beauty, gold, or jewels. In fact, heaven itself is described with breathtaking splendour:
- Revelation 21:21 – “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
- John 14:2 – “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.”
- Revelation 2:10 – “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
God promises His children crowns, mansions, and pathways of gold. He delights to reward His people with eternal beauty and joy. But while on earth, we are on mission. Because of sin, material wealth and adornments can tempt us toward pride, greed, or distraction. In heaven, however, we will enjoy these things perfectly, without sin, and in the presence of God Himself.
Conclusion
While the Old Testament records people wearing jewellery, the New Testament gives believers a higher calling: to focus on inner beauty, modesty, and godliness. Expensive jewellery can easily become a distraction, feeding pride and wasting resources that could glorify God in better ways.
The true adornment of a Christian is not what sparkles on the outside but what shines from within—a Christlike spirit that reflects the love and holiness of God. And though we are called to live humbly now, we can look forward with joy to heaven, where God Himself will clothe us in glory, crowns, and everlasting treasures.
1 Peter 3:4 – “…the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”