Modesty has different meanings and definitions for different folks, and it also depends on the context in which it has been used. For some people, modesty has been within or in the heart; this set of people see modesty as being humble, being respectful, treating other people kindly regardless of their status or background, and not being proud, so in this sense, modesty has to do with a character trait.
For some people, modesty has to do with the outer appearance, mostly the way the person dresses, and this also differs; for some, it means dressing conservatively, while for others, it might mean dressing in ways that align with their cultural or personal values. We live in a world where people have argued and believed that modesty is a personal choice, thereby wearing what makes them feel comfortable and confident, without getting any judgment from others. While there are still others that still have these traditional views, that modesty involves adherence to specific standards of dress and conduct.
Being modest is the ability to do whatever you are doing in moderation, and by moderation, I mean within the boundaries of sanity, morality, and ethics. To be modest is to be conservative, cutting away as much excess as you can cut off. To be modest is to be disciplined, sticking to defined boundaries of allowed behavioral sets.
Modesty is truly a virtue, and a virtue that is lacking amongst many, most especially the younger folks. To be modest is not just limited to your dressing; you can and should be modest in your speech. Your choice of words should be intentional; you should not just open your mouth and speak unreservedly. Your words should be few, yet filled with wisdom and applicable knowledge. I have seen friendships at several levels wrecked abruptly because of the wrong use of words, all in the name of being expressive and not letting anyone put you down. We should learn to be choosy with our words, speaking only when necessary and saying what is needed.
Another vital area I believe people should apply this concept of modesty is in the area of their spending. I have been around some folks that throw caution to the wind once they have a funded account. If left alone, they would not just shop; they would literally buy up the entire supermarket. Many times, our indiscipline and inability to sit down with ourselves, put pen to paper, and differentiate between our wants and our needs is the reason money seems not to stay long in our possession, not necessarily because of any village powers anywhere. In short, more often than not, it is our carelessness that empowers these village forces to influence us negatively. We should be bridled in our spending, buying only what is needed and not what we can do without.
Modesty is first inside, then outside. If you cannot conquer an insatiable appetite, you will not be able to save. If you do not learn to tame your tongue, you will be in many troubles that could have been avoided if only you were modest in your speech.
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