Ellen White's writings indicate a clear counsel against the wearing of jewelry for adornment. Here are her main beliefs, based on her annotated texts:
1. Spiritual Adornment Over Outward Display:
- She emphasizes that the true "ornament" Christians should seek is "the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit," which "will never perish" and is of greater value than gold or jewels (
4T 643.5).
- She encourages focusing on the "richest dress upon the soul" rather than external ornaments.
2. Jewelry as a Sign of Vanity and Worldliness:
- Ellen White recounts her disappointment at seeing church members wearing gold rings and showy earrings, associating such display with vanity and a lack of humility (
1T 20.2; LS80 146.1; LS88 146.1).
- She warns that wearing jewelry and fashionable adornments is seen as a sign of "weak minds and proud hearts" and does not recommend one's faith to others (
3T 376.2).
3. Biblical Counsel:
- She references the apostle Paul's instructions that women should "adorn themselves in modest apparel... not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" (
4T 630.1).
- She states that the Bible "speaks expressly against the wearing of gold" and that even a plain ring is "useless" and can have a negative influence.
4. Jewelry and Influence:
- Ellen White cautions that wearing jewelry can lead others astray by example and that it fosters pride and a desire for attention (
4T 644.3).
In summary, Ellen White teaches that Christians should avoid wearing jewelry for adornment, as it encourages pride, vanity, and worldliness, and instead should seek the inner beauty of a Christlike character. She bases her counsel on both biblical instruction and her own observations within the church.
References:
- White, E. G. (1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 630.1, 643.5, 644.3.
- White, E. G. (1868). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 20.2.
- White, E. G. (1875). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 376.2.
- White, E. G. (1880). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 146.1 (1880 and 1888 editions).