Problems: “Adorning the doctrine” is the opposite of God’s Word being blasphemed by the ungodly conduct of God’s people (see verse 5 and Rom. 2:23-24). But when God’s people put to practice the clear principles of God’s Word (whether it be older men, older women, younger women, younger men, slaves or any believers), then the doctrine of God is adorned. The word ADORN (kosmeo–Eng. word “cosmetics”) means to arrange, to put in order (Psalm 119:133–“Order my steps in Thy Word”). It is used of furnishing a room (Matt. 12:44) and of trimming lamps (Matt. 25:7).
Solution: It means to adorn or to ornament, and it was used of garnishing or decorating tombs (Matt. 23:29) and buildings (Luke 21:5; Rev. 21:19–“garnished”). See Rev. 21:2–“as a bride ADORNED for her husband.” It is also used of adorning one’s person (1 Tim. 2:9–“women ADORN themselves in modest apparel” and see 1 Pet. 3:5). Our lives should beautify God’s truth. Others should see the beauty of God’s truth as they see the way we live. Years ago an aged missionary reported that Japanese bankers were always glad to employ Chinese Christians because of their eminent trustworthiness. They indeed did ADORN the doctrine. Just as women use cosmetics to seek to make themselves look good and attractive, so the believer practices the truth to make God and His Word look good and attractive to all.
When we conform our lives to sound, healthy doctrine “we beautify the Bible and make the Christian message attractive to unbelievers” (Wiersbe). “As a beautiful picture may be enhanced by an appropriate frame, so we make Christian teaching attractive if we exhibit its power and truth in our lives” (Kent). May we so live as to be an ornament to God’s truth!
