The Book of Mormon repeatedly notes one particular sign of pride and worldliness: wearing costly apparel (see, for example, Jacob 2:13; Alma 1:32; 4:6; 5:53). Costly clothing promotes vanity and is used to show off wealth, the conspicuous consumption of the rich or those who desire to be rich. Wearing costly apparel involves the soul as much as the body. We do have a tendency to act the way we dress. Faithful Church members do not wear costly apparel, yet they are neat and comely (Alma 1:27); they wear modest, simple, and plain clothing. The issue is costliness versus comeliness (compare D&C 42:40).
“They Wear Very Costly Apparel”
The Book of Mormon repeatedly notes one particular sign of pride and worldliness: wearing costly apparel (see, for example, Jacob 2:13; Alma 1:32; 4:6; 5:53). Costly clothing promotes vanity and is used to show off wealth, the conspicuous consumption of the rich or those who desire to be rich. Wearing costly apparel involves the soul as much as the body. We do have a tendency to act the way we dress. Faithful Church members do not wear costly apparel, yet they are neat and comely (Alma 1:27); they wear modest, simple, and plain clothing. The issue is costliness versus comeliness (compare D&C 42:40).