Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1 Peter 3:4
To adorn is defined as ‘to make more beautiful or attractive’.
We live in a world where women live artificial lives, hiding under a multitude of beauty accessories from head to toe. We’re not attempting to condemn or condone makeup, jewelries and the likes but just to shift your attention to the true spiritual adornment recommended by the Word of God.
Apostle Peter calls it, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.
Contrary to popular belief, these terms do not describe a woman who is weak, timid, or soft-spoken. The term “meek” is derived from the Greek word praus, which refers to a friendly, kind, forgiving, patient, kind, and gentle attitude. This would depict someone who is completely the opposite of someone who is furious, temperamental, or prone to outbursts of rage. Although a meek person has the opportunity to respond in anger or become upset, he or she has chosen to be controlled, forgiving, and gentle. Thus, “meek” people are those who have learned to manage themselves and their temperament. You could say that humility is power under control.
When Apostle Peter uses the term “quiet” in this passage, he is referring to the Greek word hisuchios, which represents a woman who knows how to compose herself and maintain a state of peace and tranquillity. Rather than speaking up and saying words that are later regretted, this person remains silent and avoids harsh responses. She makes a determined decision to be a peacemaker rather than a contributor to strife.
So, when Peter refers to a “meek and quiet spirit,” he is bestowing the utmost compliment on wives and mothers who satisfy this description. These ladies have such a strong spirit that they can avoid outbreaks of anger, allowing them to be a calming presence in a variety of stressful situations. Given the numerous opportunities for women to be unsettled or agitated by life’s events, it is admirable when a mother is so strong, steady, and stable in the house that she regularly “steadies the ship” and contributes to maintaining peace in all situations.
This attribute of a meek and quiet spirit is highly valuable—so much so that God says a woman who has reached this level of maturity holds something of “great price.” The term “great price” is derived from the Greek word poluteles, which means something that is extremely valuable; something of great cost or worth; or something that is precious and costly.
How about you, friend?
- Can you say you contribute to the peace in your home?
- Can you attest that you are a stable force in difficult and stressful circumstances?
- Can you honestly say you’ve learned to control your emotions and be a peacemaker?
- Would you have to acknowledge that you contribute to crisis and frequently escalate issues by succumbing to your emotions and saying things you later regret?
- Does God perceive you as a rare and exceptional treasure who gives peace and stability to your family, or does He see you as a frequent source of conflict, friction, and unrest in your home?
We can do everything we can to make ourselves appear beautiful on the outside, but if our insides are ugly, we will remain ugly since beauty is only skin deep. All of the godly traits stated are within our grasp because we are new creations in Christ, and we are assured that we have all we need for life and godliness.
Now it is up to you to believe this and make time to grow in God’s wisdom and knowledge.
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