Defining Modesty

Today we have another post from Sister Ates. To read her first post go to the end of today's article and you will find a link to the other post. And now....

     Defining Modesty
Let us look today at some definitions of Modesty. Take your time and read through them. Think on them.
These definitions come from the American Dictionary Of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828
(emphasis mine)

Modest:
        1) Properly restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold, not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.
        2) Not bold or forward; as  a modest maid. The word my be thus used without reference to chastity.
                                ei. The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
        3) Not loose; not lewd.
        4)Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request.


Modestly:
        1) Not boldly; not arrogantly;with due respect.
        2)Not loosely or wantonly;decently; as to be modestly attired; to behave modestly.
        3)Not excessively; not extravagantly.

Modesty:
1)That lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance. This temper when natural, springs in some measure from timidity, and in young and inexperienced persons, is allied to bashfulness and diffidence. In persons who have seen the world, and lost their natural timidity, modesty springs no less from principle than from feeling, and is manifested by retiring, unobtrusive manners,assuming less to itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require.
2)Modest, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness,arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence. Thus we say, the petitioner urged his claims with modesty; the speaker addressed the audience with modesty.
3)Moderation; decency
4)In females, modest has the like character as in males; but the word is used also a synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.

1Timothy 2:9  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

To read our last post go here: The Beginning of Modesty

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