One of the major trials for young women today is to be virtuous and pure in the sight of God. There is a constant message being thrown at us—the media is screaming that women should wear provocative apparel, be overly flirtatious all the time and be sexually active in order to be desirable to men. This false display is not what God wants for His daughters. He knows that it takes strength, determination and faith in Him to reject the modern-day expectations of women and young girls and to be what He expects.

We women need to learn at a young age what kind of dress is appropriate. God tells us that we should be modest, inspiring Paul to write that women of God should "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

These verses do not mean that we cannot wear jewelry and fine clothing, but that we should wear these things with moderation and that our clothing shouldn't reveal too much of us. God does not frown upon a nice pair of pearl earrings or the gold ring you received from your parents, but He does not approve of a gaudy display of your wealth. He does not want us to flaunt ourselves with many diamonds and jewels but to remain appropriate for the occasion.

To show off our bodies by wearing revealing and clinging garments is not what God wants either. The way we dress says a lot about our character. What do you think of a woman who wears a microminiskirt and a tube top? Many celebrities do and look at them—they are rich and everyone seems to love them. But are they truly happy? Most celebrity marriages do not last more than a few years. Sex appeal does not mean lasting happiness in marriage.

Speech and conduct

Our speech and how we conduct ourselves also reveal who we really are. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing," says Proverbs 31:30. To be charming is not a bad quality, but it shouldn't be used to deceive others. If we use it to cut a deal or to give someone a certain impression that is false, we're lying. It is very important to be honest with everyone, including God!

A godly woman is not prideful and does not think of herself above others who may be less fortunate. "She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy," says Proverbs 31:20.

A godly woman is also faithful to God. She reads her Bible and studies it regularly; she goes to church every week. Proverbs 31:18 says that a virtuous woman's "lamp does not go out by night," which means that she works hard as well as living in the truth of God.

Marriage

Ultimately, dating leads to marriage. I know, I know. This thought is probably not at the front part of our brains right now. Hey, we're young; we don't need to rush into marriage. However, we should be preparing ourselves for it. Each of us young ladies should be preparing to be a good and virtuous wife for our husband.

Proverbs 31:10 says that "a virtuous wife…is far above rubies." Even thousands of years ago, God knew that not all women portrayed godly qualities and that a good wife is far above the worth of any gem or highly esteemed valuable. Some day, ladies, it is likely that we will be wives. And in order to be good wives, we must display and live godly morals.

A worthy wife seeks forgiveness and repentance. On the path to baptism we are supposed to want forgiveness and to repent of our sins. Though baptism is not required before marriage, it is highly recommended. The most important thing in a marriage and in life is our commitment to God. And if we don't have that close relationship to God, we will not have as happy and as loving a marriage as God wants us to have.

Furthermore, to be good wives to our husbands, we must be trustworthy. Note Proverbs 31:11: "The heart of her husband safely trusts her." If our husband cannot trust us—to not go behind his back and do something disgraceful—then we are not in a healthy relationship and our marriage may not last.

Women are not to rule over their husbands and be the ones who make all of the decisions, though we should definitely be a part of the decision-making process. God made Adam before Eve and made the woman for the man—not the man for the woman.

Women are to be "submissive to your own husbands" (1 Peter 3:1). To be submissive means to be obedient and respectful; it does not mean that women should take abuse from their husbands or allow them to hurt them or their children in any way. It means that wives are to allow their husbands to be the head of the household as God intended.

Some of these principles may be a little hard to understand or take if marriage is not in your near future. However they are something that we women should keep in mind and hold close to our hearts. Remember that God is the one who has made these commands and that He is perfect in every way. He knows how to make our lives happy and prosperous. He would never do anything to hurt us. VT