How do both men and women contribute to a culture of modesty and respect?

1 Timothy 2:9-10I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

1 Peter 3:3-4Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

God values modesty. Modesty is more than a high neckline or a long skirt length. It’s a lifestyle of being confident in who we are, yet humble in how we portray ourselves. All followers of Jesus have a responsibility to live modest lives.

Job 31:1“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.”

Matthew 5:27-28“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

1 Corinthians 10:13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Scripture never blames women for the sexual sins of men. Instead, over and over, men are held to a high standard in controlling their sexual desires. God promises that temptation—even sexual temptation—will never be more than we can bear. A godly man has no excuse for indulging in sexual sin, regardless of how a woman acts or dresses.

Romans 14:12-13Each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

The Bible does not outline rules for what we should wear. Modesty is a matter of discernment, and what comes across as very modest in one culture might be considered the opposite in another culture. We should avoid condemning other believers over something that isn’t clear-cut. However, each of us has a responsibility to consider how our actions—and choice of dress—could affect those around us. We may not be responsible for someone else’s sin, but we can help reduce the likelihood of their temptation.