The question of whether Christians should wear perfume or cologne does not have a straightforward yes or no answer according to the Bible. There are various biblical principles and passages that can provide wisdom, but ultimately a Christian must prayerfully evaluate their motives and conscience on this matter.
Old Testament Principles
In the Old Testament, perfumes and fragrances were common in religious worship and daily life. God instructed His people to make a sacred anointing oil with rich spices and fragrances (Exodus 30:22-33). Perfumes and scented oils were also used by the people of Israel in their daily lives. Song of Solomon speaks positively of the bride’s perfume (Song of Solomon 1:3).
However, the Bible also warns against excessive external adornment at the expense of inner godly character. Outward beauty and perfume are temporary, but a gentle and quiet spirit is precious to God (1 Peter 3:3-4). Israel was also rebuked at times for relying on perfumes from foreign lands instead of relying on God (Isaiah 57:9).
New Testament Principles
In the New Testament, Jesus said that Mary’s anointing of His feet with expensive perfume was a beautiful act (John 12:1-8). Yet He also emphasized focusing on inner purity over outward appearance (Matthew 23:25-26).
The apostle Paul instructs Christians to live with moderation, modesty and sound judgment, not being overly focused on external appearance (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4). He also encourages Christians to avoid causing others to stumble with their freedoms (Romans 14:13-21).
Applications for Christians Today
Based on biblical principles, here are some factors Christians should consider regarding perfume and cologne use:
- Motives – Is it worn to honor God, bless others, or indulge the flesh?
- Modesty – Is it excessive or overtly sensual in scent or application?
- Conscience – Does it violate your personal convictions before God?
- Conscience of others – Could it cause another Christian to stumble or be offended?
- Occasions – Are some occasions or contexts more appropriate than others?
- Testimony – Does it adorn the gospel or distract from it for unbelievers?
- Balance – Is too much focus being put on outward vs. inward beauty?
- Stewardship – Is the cost reasonable and a wise use of God’s provision?
- Health – Does the fragrance irritate allergies or migraines for self/others?
With the correct motives and balance, a modest use of perfume or cologne is likely permissible for a Christian. But each believer must carefully examine their heart and depend on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. As in all freedoms for the Christian, love for God and others should be the overriding principle (Romans 14:15, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24).
Old Testament Examples of Perfume Usage
Here are some examples of how perfume was used in the Old Testament:
- God instructed Moses to make a perfume-like sacred anointing oil for the tabernacle using myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia and olive oil (Exodus 30:22-25)
- Esther and the other young women in King Xerxes’ harem underwent beauty treatments with perfumes before meeting the king (Esther 2:12)
- Perfumes were kept in lovely jars or bottles made of precious metals and materials (2 Kings 9:1, Isaiah 3:20)
- Spikenard and saffron were two fragrances mentioned from the spices of the merchants (Song of Solomon 4:13-14)
- Provocative perfumes and oils were used by Proverbs 7’s adulterous woman to seduce men (Proverbs 7:17)
- During times of abundance, oil and perfumes were common luxuries (Deuteronomy 33:24, Ezekiel 16:13)
So in ancient Israelite culture, perfumes were primarily associated with worship, romance, luxury, and at times even sensuality or indulgence. But they were not inherently sinful in themselves when used appropriately.
New Testament Principles on Inner vs. Outer Beauty
Several New Testament passages emphasize developing inner beauty over an excessive focus on external appearance:
- Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being overly concerned with outward cleanliness while neglecting internal character (Matthew 23:25-26).
- Peter instructs women not to focus mainly on outward adornment with things like elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry and nice clothing. Rather they should cultivate the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which God values greatly (1 Peter 3:3-4).
- Paul exhorts Christians to exercise moderation in how they dress and adorn themselves, not being overly consumed with outer appearance (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
- He emphasizes godly virtues like holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, patience and forgiveness as more important than any outward appearance (Colossians 3:12-14).
The overall emphasis is on developing Christian character and focusing less on superficial outward appearance. But the Bible does not necessarily prohibit using things like perfume, jewelry and nice clothing in moderation.
Examples of Different Views on Perfume Use
Due to differing personal convictions, Christians hold a variety of views regarding perfume and cologne use today. Some examples of different viewpoints include:
- Permissible in moderation – This view believes modest use of perfume or cologne is generally acceptable, though overuse or overly sensual scents are warned against.
- Totally avoided – Some Christians or groups abstain altogether to avoid any potential associations with indulgence, sensuality or extravagance.
- Only on special occasions – Others may limit perfume use only to special occasions like dates, church or parties to maintain modest day-to-day use.
- Only natural scents – Some believers feel synthetic perfume ingredients are unhealthy and prefer only simple, naturally derived fragrances.
- Unscented lotions preferred – Many Christians avoid strong perfumes or colognes but may use mildly scented body lotions after bathing.
- Women only – Some Christians historically associated fragrances primarily with women and femininity.
Each Christian should thoughtfully study biblical principles and carefully evaluate their conscience and convictions before God on matters of personal fragrance use.
How Perfume Usage Can Bless Others
Here are a few examples of how modest use of perfumes or colognes can be a blessing:
- Creates a pleasant aroma that lifts people’s moods around you
- Masks unpleasant body odors in a way that shows care for others
- Makes you more approachable by eliminating strong body odor
- Produces positive or nostalgic associations for people when they smell certain scents
- Can be part of showing honor and attractiveness for a romantic partner
- Demonstrates good hygiene and care for outward appearance
- Adds beauty, joy and luxury to special occasions and holidays
- Allows self-expression and enjoyment of God’s creativity in the variety of natural and man-made scents
When done in a balanced, modest way, the use of perfumes can be a way for Christians to care for their bodies, bless relationships, and honor God by wisely using His creative gifts.
Dangers of Overusing Perfumes
While perfumes and colognes can be used constructively in moderation, there are some potential pitfalls when overused:
- Can become an inappropriate focus on outer appearance over inner virtue
- May be motivated by sensuality or seduction rather than modesty and self-control
- Overuse can show indulgence, vanity and lack of concern for the sensitivities or allergies of others
- Some synthetic perfume ingredients have questionable health effects with overuse
- The cost can become exorbitant and poor stewardship of finances
- Associations with perfume may provoke temptation or lust for some people
- Some Christians abstain from strong scents due to convictions of conscience before God
Therefore it is wise for Christians to apply perfumes moderately, with pure motives and consideration of how their use may impact others. As with many freedoms, more is not always better.
Bible Verses on Perfumed Oils in the Old Testament
Here are some Bible verses that mention perfumed oils in the Old Testament:
- “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.” (1 Samuel 10:1)
- “You love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” (Psalm 45:7)
- “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14)
- “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3)
- “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
So perfumed oils in the Old Testament were often associated with honor, worship, celebration, and hospitality. Their spiritual symbolism is sometimes carried over to the New Testament descriptions of Christ’s fragrance permeating His people.
How the Heart Condition Affects Perfume Usage
More important than outward appearance is the attitude and condition of the heart. Here are some biblical principles on how the heart affects use of perfume:
- Lustful motives make even “perfume stink” before God (Proverbs 27:9).
- Focusing excessively on outward adornment reveals inner emptiness (1 Peter 3:3-4).
- Inner purity and godly character should be cultivated before outward beautification (Matthew 23:25-26).
- Doing everything unto the Lord transforms even mundane activities (Colossians 3:23).
- Conduct should be motivated by love for others and God (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
- Clear conscience and moderation shows inner strength (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
- Judging others’ freedoms reveals spiritual pride (Romans 14:10).
The key is allowing inner renewal in Christ to guide outward actions. Right heart motivations direct perfume use into a constructive act of worship and service rather than vanity.
Biblical Encouragement for Modesty
Here are some verses that encourage modesty which can guide approaches to perfume use:
- “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.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10)
- “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
- “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Proverbs 11:22 KJV)
- “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10 NKJV)
- “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight in God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV)
Christian women are encouraged to accentuate inner virtues rather than overly elaborate outward adornment. This principle can help guide appropriate perfume usage.
How Christians Can Avoid Causing Offense With Perfume
Here are some ways Christians who wear perfume or cologne can avoid causing offense or difficulties for others:
- Ask friends and church family if any fragrances trigger allergies, headaches or asthma for them.
- Be sensitive to those with chemical sensitivities by avoiding strong scents at church.
- Consider others gratefully when asked to refrain from perfumes in enclosed spaces.
- Select clean, modest fragrances rather than strong musky scents.
- Apply perfumes lightly so the scent isn’t overpowering.
- Avoid spraying perfumes or colognes around others to prevent triggering reactions.
- Consider natural essential oil options that may be less reactive for some.
- Focus on inner beauty and graciousness so fragrance becomes secondary.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom in how to show the love of Christ through fragrance choices.
With thoughtfulness and prioritizing care for others, Christians can make perfume decisions that avoid unnecessary offense.
Conclusion
The Bible does not conclusively prohibit or permit perfume use for Christians. Principles of modesty, purity, moderation, stewardship and love for others can guide wise use. Each believer must prayerfully evaluate their conscience convictions before God. Focusing on cultivating inner virtues minimizes excessive concern with outward adornment. But with the right heart motives, using perfume or cologne can be an acceptable and constructive choice for a Christian when done in a way that honors God and blesses others.