Are pierced earrings sinful?
Question:
During a home Bible study regarding our bodies are a temple, a side comment was made about body piercings, which prompted me (a female) to say: “I have pierced ears and wear pierced earrings. Is that wrong?” The host of the Bible study and his wife said, yes, and for me to consider to stop wearing pierced earrings and to wear clip-on earrings. I strive to be in obedience to God’s word and dress modestly not to bring attention to myself. I never gave any thought about my pierced ears. Is it wrong in God’s eyes?
Answer:
In the Old Testament, we find that both men and women wore earrings in Israel. "And Aaron said to them, 'Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me'" (Exodus 32:2). In this case, what they did with the donated gold was sinful, but we are taking notice that they had earrings. Later we find the men and women donating some of their jewelry to God. "They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the LORD" (Exodus 35:22). Other passages mentioning earrings are Numbers 31:50; Judges 8:24-26; Proverbs 25:12; and Ezekiel 16:12). Thus, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with wearing jewelry, including earrings.
Isn't it amazing how people supposedly study a passage but manage to never consider the context of the passage? I Corinthians 6:19-20 makes a poor argument because it is about the spiritual damage that fornication causes to a Christian. "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (I Corinthians 6:18-20). Paul's argument is that we should not use our bodies to harm ourselves; rather, we use our bodies to glorify God. Thus, you would have to prove that wearing pierced earrings cause spiritual or physical harm to the wearer before saying that I Corinthians 6:19-20 applies.
Response:
Thank you for your answer based on scripture. My husband and I visit the La Vista web site frequently for sound doctrine on various topics. We appreciate all you do for the kingdom of God. To God be the glory always.
