1 Peter 3:4

“But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, etc.] By which is meant internal grace; which gives a beauty and ornament to the soul, far preferable to that which plaiting of the hair, wearing of gold, or any costly apparel, can give to the body: and this is called a man, as it is elsewhere the new man, (<490424>Ephesians 4:24) because it has that which answers to what is in man, to his soul, and the powers and faculties of it: this man, or new creature, has a new heart and Spirit; it has a will to that which is spiritually good, and an understanding of divine things, and affections for Christ, for his Gospel, ordinances, ways, and people, and for things above: it has what answers to all the…”

“But--"Rather." The "outward adornment" of jewelry, &c., is forbidden, in so far as woman loves such things, not in so far as she uses them from a sense of propriety, and does not abuse them. Singularity mostly comes from pride and throws needless hindrances to religion in the way of others. Under costly attire there may be a humble mind. "Great is he who uses his earthenware as if it were plate; not less great is he who uses his silver as if it were earthenware" [SENECA in ALFORD]. hidden--inner man, which the Christian instinctively hides from public view. of the heart--consisting in the heart regenerated and adorned by the Spirit. This "inner man of the heart" is the subject of the verb…”

“But let it be the hidden man of the heart - This expression is substantially the same as that of Paul in Romans 7:22, “the inward man.” See the notes at that place. The word “hidden” here means that which is concealed; that which is not made apparent by the dress, or by ornament. It lies within, pertaining to the affections of the soul. In that which is not corruptible - Properly, “in the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” This is said to be incorruptible in contradistinction to gold and apparel. They will decay; but the internal ornament is ever enduring. The sense is, that whatever pertains to outward decoration, however beautiful and costly, is fading; but that which…”

“The hidden man of the heart - Complete inward holiness, which implies a meek and quiet spirit. A meek spirit gives no trouble willingly to any: a quiet spirit bears all wrongs without being troubled. In the sight of God - Who looks at the heart. All superfluity of dress contributes more to pride and anger than is generally supposed. The apostle seems to have his eye to this by substituting meekness and quietness in the room of the ornaments he forbids. "I do not regard these things," is often said by those whose hearts are wrapped up in them: but offer to take them away, and you touch the very idol of their soul. Some, indeed only dress elegantly that they may be looked on; that is, they…”

“the hidden: Psa 45:13, Psa 51:6; Mat 23:26; Luk 11:40; Rom 2:29, Rom 6:6, Rom 7:22; Co2 4:16; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:3, Col 3:9, Col 3:10 which is not: Pe1 1:23 a meek: Pe1 3:15; Psa 25:9, Psa 147:6, Psa 149:4; Isa 11:4, Isa 29:19, Isa 57:15, Isa 61:1; Mat 5:5, Mat 11:29; Mat 21:5; Co2 10:1; Gal 5:23; Eph 4:2; Col 3:12; Ti2 2:25; Tit 3:2; Jam 1:21, Jam 3:13-17 quiet: Psa 131:2; Jer 51:59; Th1 4:11; Th2 3:12; Ti1 2:2 which is in: Sa1 16:7; Psa 147:10, Psa 147:11, Psa 149:4; Luk 16:15 1 Peter 3:5”