The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or endorse the wearing of earrings for Christian men or women. However, there are some principles and examples in Scripture that can inform our thinking on this issue.
Principles from Scripture
Here are some biblical principles that relate to the question of earrings:
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should seek to glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means we should avoid anything that defiles the body.
- We should exercise wisdom in adorning ourselves and avoid vanity and excess (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our focus should be on the inner person rather than outward appearance.
- We should avoid unnecessary offense to others, especially regarding disputable matters among Christians (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8).
- Men and women have distinct roles according to Scripture. Outward adornment could potentially blur those distinctions (Deuteronomy 22:5).
- We are free in Christ, but should be careful to not let our freedom become a stumbling block (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
These principles emphasize glorifying God, wisdom, modesty, consideration of others, distinction between the sexes, and not causing others to stumble – all of which are relevant to the earring question.
Biblical Examples
Here are some examples from Scripture that give a perspective on earrings:
- Earrings were given to Rebekah as part of her betrothal gifts, indicating their association with marriage and the feminine role (Genesis 24:22).
- The people donating materials for the tabernacle included earrings (Exodus 35:22). God called for these items to be used respectfully in worship.
- Gideon took from the spoils of war the crescent ornaments and earrings to make an ephod. This became a snare and idol for Israel (Judges 8:24-27). Earrings could become a form of vanity and idolatry.
- God referred to Israel as an adulterous wife who had misused gifts He had given her, including earrings (Ezekiel 16:9-15). Again indicating potential excesses and misuse.
- In the parable of the prodigal son, the father celebrated the son’s return by putting a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet (Luke 15:22). No mention of earrings, which may have been viewed differently for men.
These examples show earrings associated with femininity, marriage, excess, and improper worship. They were given and accepted at times, but also subject to misuse and excess.
Perspectives from Church History
Looking at church history, here are some perspectives relevant to this issue:
- The early church father Clement of Alexandria opposed earrings for men, seeing the wearing of gold feminine. However, he approved earrings for women in moderation.
- Chrysostom, another church father, preached against men wearing long hair and gold jewelry as contrary to nature and blurring gender distinctions.
- In the 4th century, the Council of Nimes explicitly prohibited men from wearing gold earrings and finger rings.
- Thomas Aquinas later argued against excessive adornment among Christians but did not object to earrings in themselves.
- The Puritans tended to oppose male earrings due to associations with vanity, extravagance and aristocratic excess.
- In the 18th-19th centuries, modesty and distinct gender roles were emphasized, tending to limit earrings to women.
- By the 20th century, earrings for men were extremely uncommon in the West. But the sexual revolution and gender role changes later made earrings more unisex and androgynous.
While perspectives have varied, there has generally been more acceptance of earrings for women, with men’s earrings often seen as blurring gender distinctions. Concerns about excess, impropriety and offense to others are also consistent themes.
Different Views Among Christians Today
Current views among Christians vary on this issue:
- Permissible for women only – This view sees earrings as appropriate for women but prohibited for men based on maintaining proper gender roles and not blurring the sexes. Earrings are associated with femininity.
- Permissible for men and women – This view argues that earrings are a matter of cultural expression and personal freedom. They are not intrinsically associated with either sex.
- Unwise or offensive for both genders – This view sees earrings as tending towards extravagance, impropriety, and offense. They can suggest vanity or sexuality rather than modesty and inner godliness.
- Matter of conscience and Christian freedom – This does not take a firm position but sees it as a personal choice, as long as it does not violate biblical principles or conscience.
Each perspective has its merits based on principles of holiness, wisdom, gender roles, freedom, conscience and avoiding offense. There is wisdom in considering all these aspects.
Practical Considerations
Here are some practical considerations for Christians thinking about earrings today:
- Be guided by biblical principles on appearance, gender, freedom, conscience, and offense.
- Consider current cultural associations – are earrings seen as modest or ostentatious, masculine or feminine?
- Be mindful of intentions – is it about valid personal expression or vanity?
- Avoid causing offense or misunderstanding, especially in ministry contexts.
- Be wise and moderate. Focus on inner godliness more than outward appearance.
- Consider impact on children or younger generations who may imitate.
- Make decisions according to your conscience and Christian freedom.
There is room for reasonable debate and differing views. For many, the most prudent choice may be to avoid earrings or at least carefully consider the implications.
Ultimately Scripture gives more principles than direct rules on this specific issue. Prayerful wisdom is needed to apply timeless biblical truths to changing cultural contexts. The main thing is that our lives glorify God, demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, avoid offense, and accentuate inner beauty and holiness rather than strictly external appearance.