Jewelry Prov. 20:15 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

This sermon examines godly jewelry in the Bible as it is contrasted to cosmetic jewelry.   The Lord discouraged wearing jewelry as adornment because it tends to obscure godliness by drawing attention to the outward appearance of its wearer [1 Tim 2:9; 1 Pet 3:3] and away from the Lord.  In Ex 33:4-6 jewelry even interfered with the Jews’ relationship to the Lord, particularly since they used jewelry to make the golden calf.

Here’s some jewelry that God likes:

Saved souls – 1 Pet 2:5 – compare Matt 13:45-46.  When we get saved we are lively stones [pearls].  If you want jewelry that pleases God, preach the gospel and show others how to be saved.

A fair woman – Prov 11:22 – a fair woman is a jewel of gold.  A fair woman which is without discretion is a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout.  Don’t be a fair woman without discretion.  A jewel of gold doesn’t belong in a swine’s snout; it’s unseemly.

A virtuous woman – Prov 12:4 – a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.  In Prov 31:10, her price is far above rubies.  Therefore, be virtuous so that you can be that crown worth far more than rubies.

The lips of knowledge – Prov 20:15 – the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.  The fruit of wisdom is better than fine gold [Prov 8:19].  In God’s eyes, a man or a woman who knows enough to know what he or she is talking about is adorned with something much more precious than gold and rubies.

A wise reprover – Prov 25:11-12 – as an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.  To be a wise reprover upon an obedient ear, you must know when to say what to say and to whom to say it.

A good name and loving favour – Prov 22:1 – a good name and loving favour should be chosen rather than silver and gold.  When viewing my father’s remains at the funeral home one afternoon, I introduced myself to the only other man who was there at that time.  He said, “Your father was the chairman of the board of the bank and I was the custodian.  Every morning, when your father came to his office, he always greeted me by name and shook my hand.  I always appreciated him for that.”  My father had a good name with this fellow who expressed his loving favor to me.  In this day of haste and rage, we should be reminded of the importance of a good name.