Wondering what the Bible says about wearing black? The truth is, the Bible doesn’t specify rules about clothing colors, including black. What it does emphasize is the importance of the heart’s condition over external appearances. The focus is on modesty, humility, and reflecting God’s glory through our lives, rather than on specific colors we should or shouldn’t wear. So, whether you’re donning black or bright yellow, the Bible’s main concern is what’s happening on the inside.
Got a closet full of black clothes and worried what the Bible might say? Relax and read on to discover how color choices fit into biblical teachings.
What Does the Bible Say About Wearing Black?
When it comes to discussions about wearing black or any other color, the Bible offers principles rather than prescriptions. It’s interesting to note that while colors do hold symbolic meanings in the scriptures, there’s no direct command about which colors to wear for personal clothing. Instead, the Bible’s teachings on clothing focus more on the attitudes and intentions behind our choices.
Black, in the Bible, is sometimes associated with mourning, affliction, or judgment. However, these associations are more symbolic, reflecting the cultural and historical context of the times, rather than directives for dress code. For example, in ancient times, it was common to wear sackcloth (a coarse, dark cloth) during periods of grief or repentance. This practice was a physical expression of inner sorrow or penitence, not a fashion statement.
The New Testament shifts the focus from outward appearances to the condition of the heart. Jesus and the apostles taught that what truly matters is not external compliance with religious practices (including dress) but the transformation of one’s heart and life by God’s grace. This perspective is crucial in understanding God’s view on matters like clothing color. It’s the why behind what we wear that matters most.
For instance, wearing black because it’s fashionable, practical, or simply because you like it is a matter of personal preference and freedom. If, however, clothing choices are made to draw attention, provoke envy, or stem from a place of pride or rebellion, then it’s the heart attitude that needs examination, not the color of the clothes.
Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to dress modestly and with decency, aiming to honor God and respect others through their appearance. This principle of modesty is key, guiding followers of Jesus to make clothing choices (regardless of color) that reflect a godly character and witness.
In essence, wearing black or any other color is allowed and is a matter of personal liberty, cultural context, and individual taste. The Bible’s primary concern is that believers live lives that honor God, showing love, humility, and purity both in heart and action. Dressing in a way that reflects these inner qualities is far more important than the specific colors we choose to wear.
Bible Verses About Wearing Black
While the Bible doesn’t directly address the topic of wearing black with specific verses, it does provide guidance on clothing and appearance that can inform our understanding:
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'” This verse emphasizes God’s focus on the heart rather than external appearances, reminding us that our clothing choices should reflect a heart aligned with God’s values.
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10 – “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” Paul’s instructions to Timothy highlight the importance of modesty and good deeds over focusing on outward adornment, a principle that can apply to all believers, regardless of gender.
- James 2:2-4 – “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” This passage warns against judging others based on their appearance, including their clothing, urging believers to treat everyone with equal dignity and respect.
- Colossians 3:12-14 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” While not about physical clothing, this metaphorical language encourages believers to ‘wear’ virtues that reflect Christ’s character, highlighting the spiritual over the physical.
- Proverbs 31:25 – “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” This verse from the description of the virtuous woman emphasizes character qualities as her true adornment, suggesting that one’s confidence and hope should not be in outward appearance but in a godly character.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” Peter encourages believers, especially women, to focus on internal beauty and virtues, which are of great value to God, over external decorations.
- Matthew 6:28-30 – “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Jesus teaches His followers not to worry about their clothes, assuring them of God’s provision and care, and encouraging them to trust in Him for their needs.
- Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This metaphorical statement about putting on Christ speaks to the identity of believers being found in Jesus, rather than in external appearances or material possessions.
- Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Paul encourages believers to embody the qualities and character of Jesus Christ, suggesting a focus on spiritual growth over satisfying earthly desires, including those related to appearance.
- Zephaniah 1:8 – “And on the day of the Lord’s sacrifice—’I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.'” This verse reflects a specific historical and cultural context where wearing certain types of clothing represented alignment with pagan practices. It underscores the principle of living in ways that honor God’s commands and distinguish God’s people from worldly or ungodly influences.
These verses collectively remind Christians that while clothing and appearance are aspects of daily life, they should not become the focus or define one’s identity. Believers are called to prioritize spiritual virtues and godliness, viewing their lives and choices, including those related to clothing, through the lens of their faith in Christ.