The website of the Orthodox Jewish organization Chabad features an article entitled “Undercover: A woman’s journey of understanding modesty” by Jael Weil.  She points out that:

Modesty is such a fundamental concept in Judaism, and modesty in dress is only one small area of this dominant theme. A broader definition of modesty, and the charge to incorporate modesty as an underlying character trait, is found in the book of Micha, chapter 6, verse 8: “…what is good, and what does the Lord demand of you; but to do justice, to love loving-kindness, and hatzneah lechet im Elokecha, walk humbly, modestly, discreetly with your G-d.”

My first husband’s father had been raised in a culturally Jewish family, but they were never what anyone might “religious.”  But in his secular lifestyle he retained this one bit of scripture: Micah 6:8. He quoted it often. I remember, the same week I officially became engaged to his son, I happened upon a beautiful handwritten calligraphy version of this scripture. I framed it for him, and it hung in his dining room for many years. For all I know it is there still, though he is nearly 9 years gone, and my marriage to his son long ago dissolved.

My point is, I find it funny that so many years later, this quote should come back to my attention again, when I am studying the subject of modesty, which has become so very important to me. While I have been concentrating on the outward appearance of modesty (clothing & headcovering) I still have a long way to go in my observance of modesty of speech… a long way to go!

Michah 6:8 (Jewish version)

He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord demands of you; but to do justice, to love loving-kindness, and to walk discreetly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (New International Version)

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (New International Reader’s Version)

The Lord has shown you what is good.
He has told you what he requires of you.
You must treat people fairly.
You must love others faithfully.
And you must be very careful to live
the way your God wants you to.