Nose rings

[LoveFaith]

22 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Elders aren’t fashion police with tape measures and fabric swatches. Jehovah put them in place to shepherd, not to dictate whether a denim jacket or a nose stud is the mark of the beast. The organization doesn’t hand down a list of “yes” and “no” garments. What it does hand us is the word modesty.

 

And modesty isn’t just about whether your skirt hem covers your kneecap or your tie isn’t painted on. It’s about whether you’re walking into the hall like a spotlight looking for a stage. A tiny nose stud? That might disappear faster than a button on a dark sweater. A five-inch hoop or a blinking LED pulsing like a nightclub sign? Yeah — that’s not modest, that’s a traffic hazard.

 

The Governing Body has reminded us too that what’s seen as “normal” in the community matters. That doesn’t mean we copy the world’s trends — it means we avoid being the kind of billboard that screams extreme, rebellious, look at me.

 

Bottom line? Keep it modest and the elders won’t need to say a word. They’ve got bigger things to do than referee wardrobes.

Thank you! An overseer told me that years ago that the Elders isn’t Fashion police. 

[LoveFaith]

1 hour ago, Áine said:

I appreciate that congregations around the world may differ slightly on dress and grooming but at the same time we are given clear guidelines on what is acceptable… we have the small poster on our notice board all the time reminding us of how we should dress to visit Bethel etc it’s there for a reason.

 

 Here in Ireland you simply wouldn’t be used on the school or cart work 

People from different countries and cultures backgrounds move to different places bring their culture with them. I remember during the International convention they had here in Texas back in 2013. My congregation had the pleasure of feeding and housing some of the friends from different countries. The group from Africa song and dance for us the way they would in their country. We didn’t judge we enjoyed it, just because it’s not customary here in America doesn’t mean we have the right to criticize it. 

[LoveFaith]

On 8/29/2025 at 2:06 PM, trottigy said:

It is important to note - having standards is not judging someone. No one would want someone to walk into the Kingdom Hall with full body armor, guns and an AR-15 strap to their back. Nor would anyone want someone in the Kingdom Hall that wore a stinking meat dress like Lady Gaga did. So, there must be some line somewhere that your local body of elders is going to have to establish between what is decent and what isn't. That's not judging. That's having an acceptable Bible based standard.

 

We all remember that "decency is the boundary of tolerance." The definition of decency is going to change based on the area you're in but not go beyond Bible principles.

 

PS for the body armor, I don't draw that line until they add hand grenades hanging on the outside to their kit.

 

It’s judging when a person say one lack faith or faith is based on one’s appearance. Only Jehovah knows that! Even the Bible tells gives a warning to those who think they are standing that they do not fall. A person can be in the truth for years and it doesn’t mean the truth is in them. A brother once said that in his talk, and guest what the appearance had nothing to do with it. The nose piercing and body armor is not the same. It’s not that deep

[LoveFaith]

On 8/29/2025 at 8:28 AM, Tortuga said:

But doesn't their showing respect and dignity for Jehovah and his organization show their faith?

 

Prayerfully meditate on the principles in these articles.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=202003127&srctype=wol&srcid=share

 

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1102021252&srctype=wol&srcid=share

How is any of that not showing respect, and dignity when it’s a video on our site showing the nose ring? Let’s not forget no Bible based scripture against it. I think the video talked about Gomar wife. I hoped I spelled that right! 

[Dages]

34 minutes ago, LoveFaith said:

I think the video talked about Gomer

You mean the prostitute? 

Edited Monday at 12:32 AM by Dages

[BLEmom]

1 hour ago, LoveFaith said:

It’s judging when a person say one lack faith or faith is based on one’s appearance. Only Jehovah knows that! Even the Bible tells gives a warning to those who think they are standing that they do not fall. A person can be in the truth for years and it doesn’t mean the truth is in them. A brother once said that in his talk, and guest what the appearance had nothing to do with it. The nose piercing and body armor is not the same. It’s not that deep

You started the topic asking for other’s thoughts because two brothers are “harassing” you. 
Are you looking for honest feedback or are you looking for others to agree with your own viewpoint?  
You’ve received a lot of thoughts based on Bible principles. Some of your replies are coming across as defensive of your own opinion on it.  I’m sure that’s not what you intend. And no one is trying to judge you. They are showing how following Bible principles means you will be guided by local customs. 

All anyone is saying is….it depends. It depends on the area you live. The elders in your congregation can help you best determine if you can have a nose ring and still have privileges. If they don’t have a problem with it, then it’s a non issue. You can refer any complainers to the elders. 
However, if the elders feel it’s a little edgy for your area or if there is hesitation on their part about it, then it would be wise and mature of you to not wear the nose ring. No need to make waves and disrupt the peace just for a personal opinion or right. 
Thoughts and opinions change over time. Perhaps now just isn’t the right time for you to wear one. 
Again talking with your elders is the best approach. Trying to convince everyone here that it’s ok for you in your local congregation won’t really get you anywhere beneficial. 
 

Also, the more ‘attitude’ one has towards those who don’t agree with them, the more others may feel the person isn’t behaving in a mature way. So if you do have brothers or even sisters saying something to you about the nose ring, it would be good to always respond kindly. 
 

Some articles and points to consider:

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009126?q=difference+of+opinion&p=par
 

Encouraging us to take into consideration the effect that our actions have on others, the apostle Paul wrote: “All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up.” Paul also said: “Keep from becoming causes for stumbling.” (1 Cor. 10:23, 32) In matters involving personal preferences, then, it is the course of wisdom to ask ourselves: ‘Am I willing to forgo certain rights when the peace of the congregation is threatened? Am I prepared to conform to Bible principles, even when it is inconvenient to do so?’

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2022525#h=14:0-15:0
 

We build up our brothers and sisters when we actively promote peace in the congregation. We do not allow differences of opinion to divide us. And we do not insist on our rights where no Scriptural principle is at stake. Consider an example. The congregation in Rome was made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians. When the Mosaic Law was done away with, the restrictions it had placed on eating certain foods were no longer in force. (Mark 7:19) From that time on, some Jewish Christians felt free to eat all kinds of foods. Other Jewish Christians, however, could not bring themselves to do so. The congregation became divided over this issue. Paul underscored the importance of keeping peace and observed: “It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles.” (Read Romans 14:19-21.) Paul thus helped his fellow believers to see how damaging such disputes were to individuals and to the congregation as a whole. He was also willing to change his own behavior to avoid stumbling others. (1 Cor. 9:19-22) We can likewise build others up and maintain peace if we refrain from making issues over matters of personal preference.

 

 

[trottigy]

2 hours ago, LoveFaith said:

It’s judging when a person say one lack faith or faith is based on one’s appearance. Only Jehovah knows that! Even the Bible tells gives a warning to those who think they are standing that they do not fall. A person can be in the truth for years and it doesn’t mean the truth is in them. A brother once said that in his talk, and guest what the appearance had nothing to do with it. The nose piercing and body armor is not the same. It’s not that deep

 

Nothing in my post discussed faith or a lack of it. Are you bringing up faith because you're noticing there's a connection between a person's faith and their appearance? It seems you regularly connect these two things together. Do you feel there's a deep connection between these two?

 

The guy described with the body armor, with the guns and the grenades, he may have a deep and abiding faith and a deep love for his God as well. Who am I to judge. But if I'm the attendant - I'm not letting him in the door!

Edited Monday at 02:00 AM by trottigy

[Lance]

You have got lots of feedback … which is what you wanted. 
Considering we are an international crowd here and do not know your local circumstances.. use your God given conscience and  see how that works.. we are not discussing biblical morality we are discussing an adornment that is attached by means of a piercing.. no one died. No body part was amputated or traumatized.. You may actually learn a life lesson which is always good.

That being said  realize this adornment is viewed differently in every culture..

 

Across cultures, piercings often carry:

• Spiritual meaning (protection, devotion, transformation)
• Social roles (marriage eligibility, warrior status)
• Health beliefs (Ayurvedic or holistic practices)
• Fashion and identity (especially in modern global fusion)

 

So you make the decision.. the glory of being a free moral agent .. choices 

Edited Monday at 04:13 AM by Lance

[trottigy]

I loved this from the education thread - I'll plagiarize it here:

 

As the situation of the governments of the world deteriorates with increasing power grabs, how grateful are we for the divine wisdom to grant more freedom and trust to Jehovah's servants worldwide to serve Jehovah with their "power of reason" (Rom 12:1). This is bringing us closer and closer to that position where each one can truly "carry his own load" (Gal 6:5).

 

May you all carry your load well and keep Jehovah's principles clearly in mind  Under His yoke, the load is light, but without it ... It may be too heavy to carry.

 

 

Edited Monday at 04:59 AM by trottigy

[Amygdala]

Sister Rachel,

 

I love your hairstyle! If you are concerned about what others are saying about your nose ring, then ask a mature sister in your area about it. If she says it’s fine and acceptable where you live, great, but if she makes some suggestions, please stew on them and not defend yourself automatically. As you rightly quoted from the Bible, no one can say they are so strong and need to be careful from a fall. So this is where all of us are willing to do self-examination and be flexible as to our appearance.

 

Having others opinions is not wrong in itself, and even beneficial. Prov.11:14 

 

It is not about how beautiful or not a look or style appears, but rather how we represent ourselves as God‘s ministers in the context of what is culturally acceptable in our area. This is just what many brothers and sisters here are saying. No one is imposing his or her standards on you, nor making judgments, except to say, what is culturally acceptable in your local area as to modest dress and grooming should be followed. And if it goes against your or my personal wishes, are we willing to be flexible and adjust, or insist on our rights? Having the bigger picture in mind can help, meditating on bible principles (which includes understanding Jehovah‘s view, the happy God), can help you in good conscience make your decisions without the need to defend yourself.

Edited Monday at 08:11 AM by Amygdala

[Hope]

On 8/31/2025 at 4:45 PM, LoveFaith said:

People from different countries and cultures backgrounds move to different places bring their culture with them. I remember during the International convention they had here in Texas back in 2013. My congregation had the pleasure of feeding and housing some of the friends from different countries. The group from Africa song and dance for us the way they would in their country. We didn’t judge we enjoyed it, just because it’s not customary here in America doesn’t mean we have the right to criticize it. 

 

There was a demonstration on a circuit assembly some years ago about a couple either being assigned to or determining on their own (I can't remember; this was back when I lived in Chicago) to serve a congregation in the Deep South/ Bible Belt in the United States. The couple discussed the challenges of dress and grooming they would face moving there; they were from a big, metropolitan city. Their dress and grooming - particularly the sister's hair, make-up, and jewelry would be considered immodest and inappropriate where they were headed, even though she looked perfectly chic and well put together in the city they currently lived in. The brother's suits were a bit too slick.

 

She expressed concern about her own preferences and what she'd be comfortable with - even where she'd get her hair done (she "takes her glory to the beauty shop EVERY week"  ) vs. the opportunity to assist a congregation/ area that really needed their help. There was no decided conclusion in the demonstration, but the message stuck with me. Sometimes - maybe even many times - we need to reign in our own sense of style and propriety in order to be effective and represent Jehovah without getting in His way. Sometimes, we can't bring all of our culture with us.. 

 

Of course, we can ALWAYS do whatever we want, right? We just need to be prepared for the consequences and repercussions.. that's just life.. 

Edited Tuesday at 10:12 PM by Hope

[Shawnster]

On 8/31/2025 at 7:45 PM, LoveFaith said:

People from different countries and cultures backgrounds move to different places bring their culture with them. I remember during the International convention they had here in Texas back in 2013. My congregation had the pleasure of feeding and housing some of the friends from different countries. The group from Africa song and dance for us the way they would in their country. We didn’t judge we enjoyed it, just because it’s not customary here in America doesn’t mean we have the right to criticize it. 

 

 

If those friends from Africa were to move to Texas, would they continue to dress as they did in Africa or would they assimilate to their new home? 

 

 

[ChrisW]

2 minutes ago, Shawnster said:

assimilate

[Shawnster]

On 8/31/2025 at 5:38 PM, carlos said:

I think the relevant principle here is in Romans 15:1: "We, though, who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves."

 

A "weak" person, that is, a spiritually immature Christian will insist on his right to dress or arrange as they wish.... 

 

 

Or the weak person is easily stumbled or offended. 

 

The cross reference takes us back to Romans 14.

 

(Romans 14:1-3) 14 Welcome the man having weaknesses in his faith, but do not pass judgment on differing opinions. 2 One man has faith to eat everything, but the man who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating,+ for God has welcomed him.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=45014001&srcid=share

 

Eating vegetables instead of meat also cross references with 1 Corinthians 8.

 

(1 Corinthians 8:13) 13 That is why if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat at all, so that I will not make my brother stumble.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=46008013&srcid=share

 

(1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) 23 All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.+ 

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=46010023&srcid=share

 

All things are lawful, but not necessarily advantageous. Paul had the right, the freedom to eat meat, but that might offend a brother or sister that is weaker in faith. Paul would choose to forego his rights and not eat meat if that meant not offending or stumbling one of weak faith. In this instance, it's not that the weak one insists on their rights, but that the weak one is shocked or offended by a certain conscience decision made by another Christian. 

 

This principle applies to anything we may choose to do that might stumble or offend others. Substitute alcohol, or Disney movies, or nose rings in place of meat.  Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Just because we have the right to drink alcohol, talk about Disney movies, or wear a nose ring doesn't mean we should if we know these things offend or stumble others. 

 

Instead of insisting on our rights, we yield to the weaker Christian. We avoid these choices, not because they are wrong, but because we know they offend others. 

 

For peace in the congregation, we give up our rights. To avoid stumbling a weaker person who simply cannot handle or accept a Christian would have a tattoo or wear a beard, or get our nose pierced, we choose not to do these things. We honor and respect those weaker ones by not causing undue offense. 

 

[minister159]

Rights or Duties --- Which?

 

"What is the position of true Christians who have turned around from following this world’s course and who exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice of Christ? The Bible says to them: “You do not belong to yourselves, for you were bought with a price. By all means, glorify God in the body of you people.” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20) Hence, there is very little ground for these people to talk about rights to God, because he owns them by the blood of his Son. They have a duty. That duty is: “By all means, glorify God.” We can glorify God by being peaceable, by being content, by being patient even if our rights are stepped on by someone else. We are glorifying God when we carry out our duties, not demanding what we conceive to be our personal rights, and not causing grief or upset to others in asserting such “rights.”—Prov. 11:2."

 

"Christians, therefore, should not think, just because a certain practice is common in the world, that they may insist on such as being their right in the face of the Christian congregation and its mature thinking. Why should a Christian try to bring the world’s spirit, or the things that represent it, such as extreme styles of dress, extreme music and so-called modern practices, into his life when he is part of the congregation? In fact, why should he try to bring these things into the congregation of God?" --- w73 3/1 p. 137-138

[New World Explorer]

On 8/31/2025 at 11:50 PM, Áine said:

appreciate that congregations around the world may differ slightly on dress and grooming but at the same time we are given clear guidelines on what is acceptable… we have the small poster on our notice board all the time reminding us of how we should dress to visit Bethel etc it’s there for a reason.

 

 Here in Ireland you simply wouldn’t be used on the school or cart work 

Same in Australia. No school or Cart, also personal counselling would be given about choices regarding dress and grooming. Mature sister or brother is expected to recognise boundaries rather than insisting on personal rights.