MH page 288

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs “is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21 , margin.

Clothing should be durable, serviceable, clean, and provide adequate warmth and protection against environmental elements. While largely containing practical advice on durability, it includes a testable physiological assertion regarding the protective function of clothing against cold.

Our dress should be cleanly. Uncleanliness in dress is unhealthful, and thus defiling to the body and to the soul. “Ye are the temple of God....If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 .

Cleanliness in dress is essential, as uncleanliness is unhealthful and defiles both body and soul. The text combines a spiritual principle regarding bodily temples with an explicit empirical assertion linking lack of cleanliness to poor health.

In all respects the dress should be healthful. “Above all things,” God desires us to “be in health”—health of body and of soul. And we are to be workers together with Him for the health of both soul and body. Both are promoted by healthful dress.

Health of both body and soul is promoted by healthful dress, aligning with God's desire for human well-being. This paragraph merges spiritual health objectives with a direct claim that specific qualities of dress can influence physical health outcomes.