Acceptable Ornaments

By Marjorie Kinnee

Merriman-Webster says an ornament is an embellishment. Dictionary.com says it’s an adornment; an accessory, article, or detail used to beautify the appearance of something. Synonyms include; adorn, embellish and decorate, and imply such ornaments serve no useful purpose. They are merely added to the outside of an object to draw attention. For example, ornamental columns bear no weight, they’re just for looks. Decorations are attached to the Christmas tree, not part of the tree. Victorian architecture is characterized by extensive ornamentation. And we all can recall individuals, men and women, who depend on outward ornamentation to draw attention to themselves.

Man’s wisdom and use focuses on the outside, while Kingdom wisdom sees things another way entirely. Solomon talked about wisdom at length and introduced the idea of something inward becoming a recognizable ornament. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, [wisdom] and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:7-9)

The world values both quality and quantity in ornamentation. Victorian architects thought if one piece of “gingerbread” was good; a dozen would be even better. Not to be outdone, today’s vocabulary coined a word, “bling,” and a phrase, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” to describe flashy, gaudy, ostentatious display. Dame Edith Sitwell said, “I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty... But I am too busy thinking about myself.” Hmmm...

To God, beauty includes modesty – the virtue. So when Peter discussed adornment and ornaments, he contrasted the world’s opinion of beauty with God’s perspective...

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or 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.” (I Peter 3:3-4, kjv)

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry, and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (I Peter 3:3-4, niv)

God says these kinds of ornaments are acceptable. In His eyes, beauty comes from within and is characterized by a meek [patient and mild], gentle [refined, courteous, generous, and kind], and quiet [calm, not easily excited, not showy, not forward, peaceful, and relaxing] spirit [which, by definition, is the life principle of human beings]. Though foreign to the carnal mind, this concept is comes from submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the teaching of the Word of God. Yes, it is a struggle requiring self-discipline and willing obedience is key. But it’s a worthy one because it receives God’s help in the ongoing endeavor and His smile of approval in the accomplishment.