Yesterday’s Victory Call I posed a couple of questions relative to modestly adorning ourselves as women.  Today my desire is define the word “modesty.”

          So what, exactly does the word modesty mean? According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the American Language, “modesty” defined is:
          “Properly restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity or decency. ‘The blushing beauty of a modest maiden.’ Not loose; not lewd. Not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation”.1
     
      Here’s more:
“Modesty is that lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimation of one’s worth and importance…assuming less of itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require. Modesty as an act or series of acts consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption.”
          “In females the word is used also as synonymous with chastity or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace…unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.”2

          Wow!! When I opened the dictionary I had no idea all of the above would be under the heading of modesty.
          I know there is a certain redundancy to this definition my sisters and all I can say is, it’s warranted! If I didn’t see what I see so regularly, I could let it pass. If I wasn’t aware of the times when I too am less than modest-from the inside out-I wouldn’t bother.

          We make a mistake to presume only the appearance of modesty. The above verbiage goes below the surface to the heart of the matter and dares to address possible intention and character.

          Tomorrow we will move on to the practical application of modesty. Until then, ponder this question: Are you willing to be transparent and real and brutally honest with yourself?

Stephanie Paul

Stephanie Paul serves as part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America’s Keswick as Director of Women’s Addiction Ministry. She has been married for almost 30 years to Sesky Paul who is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. Stephanie serves alongside him as Care Group leaders in their church. They have two grown children.
Her single focus in ministry at Keswick is to image Christ in grace and truth to wounded and hurting women, encouraging them to make Jesus the truest Lover of their soul and the One in whom all hope lies.

1 American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828, 8th edition, published by the Foundation for American Christian Education in 1995