Modesty

Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress,

grooming, language, and behavior. If you are modest, you do

not draw undue attention to yourself. Instead, you seek to

“glorify God in your body, and in your spirit” (1 Corinthians

6:20; see also verse 19).

If you are unsure about whether your dress or grooming

is modest, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my

appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” You might ask

yourself a similar question about your language and behavior:

“Would I say these words or participate in these activities

if the Lord were present?” Your honest answers to these

questions may lead you to make important changes in your

life. The following information will help you in your efforts

to be modest.

Dress and Grooming

Prophets have always counseled us to dress modestly.

This counsel is founded on the truth that the human body is

God’s sacred creation. Respect your body as a gift from God.

Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord

that you know how precious your body is.

Your clothing expresses who you are. It sends messages

about you, and it influences the way you and others act.

When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you can

invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good

influence on those around you.

Central to the command to be modest is an understanding

of the sacred power of procreation, the ability to bring children

into the world. This power is to be used only between

husband and wife. Revealing and sexually suggestive clothing,

which includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing,

and shirts that do not cover the stomach, can stimulate

desires and actions that violate the Lord’s law of chastity.

In addition to avoiding clothing that is revealing, you

should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle.

In dress, grooming, and manners, always be neat and clean,

never sloppy or inappropriately casual. Do not disfigure

yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If you are a woman

and you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair

of modest earrings.

Maintain high standards of modesty for all occasions. Do

not lower your standards to draw attention to your body or

to seek approval from others. True disciples of Jesus Christ

maintain the Lord’s standard regardless of current fashions

or pressure from others.

Language and Behavior

Like your dress and grooming, your language and

behavior are expressions of your character. Your words and

actions can have a profound influence on you and on others.

Express yourself through clean, positive, uplifting language

and in actions that bring happiness to those around you.

Your efforts to be modest in word and deed lead to increased

guidance and comfort from the Holy Ghost.

Avoid the filthy language and the casual, irreverent use

of the Lord’s name that are so common in the world.

Withstand any temptation to participate in extreme or inappropriate

behavior. The irreverent nature of such language

and behavior impairs your ability to receive the quiet

promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Additional references: D&C 42:40–41; Articles of Faith 1:13

See also Body Piercing; Chastity; Profanity; Tattooing