THE INCORRUPTIBLE APPAREL FOR HOLY WOMEN.
"And do not let your adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments, but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God." (1 Peter 3:3,4 NWT).

Now if the wearing of external braiding of the hair, the putting on of gold ornaments, or the wearing of certain kinds of outer garments, corrupts --for women of course have need of outer garments-- how much more corrupting is it if a woman wears garments wittingly or unwittingly that reveal the parts of her body that entice and stimulate men's sexual appetite? Mainly I refer to garments that are worn in a fashion that is too close fitting and emphasizing the sexual parts of a woman.

The apostle Paul said: "Likewise I desire the women to adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive garb, but in the way that befits women professing to reverence God, namely, through good works." (1 Tim 2:9,10 NWT).

Therefore, a holy woman's garb should be "well-arranged dress with modesty and soundness of mind"; that is to say, among those women who profess to reverence God.

Paul, who always expressed the Lord's instructions (unless stated otherwise by him), revealed that our Lord is also aware that modest garments may also be worn immodestly, too tightly fitting, or too scant in material for those with a sound mind.

Of course, in certain climates it is at times necessary that women wear some kind of trouser covering to keep their lower parts warm. But in such weather conditions would it not also modestly necessitate an over-garment such as a coat or skirt; that is, to sufficiently maintain one's modesty?

Having said these things, it is also true that in some activities it is even preferable for a woman to wear trousers, such as for climbing, exercises, and the like. But those garments that are too short in length require no further explanation from me on what is deemed to be too short. This is revealed by the individuals concerned, by those who reverence God. Holy modesty applies of course both to married and unmarried persons, both men and women.

5/9/91.