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Young sisters, be modest. Modesty in dress and language…

“Young sisters, be modest. Modesty in dress and language and deportment is a true mark of refinement and a hallmark of a virtuous Latter-day Saint woman. Shun the low and the vulgar and the suggestive. . . . Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is…” quote by Ezra Taft Benson
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““Young sisters, be modest. Modesty in dress and language and deportment is a true mark of refinement and a hallmark of a virtuous Latter-day Saint woman. Shun the low and the vulgar and the suggestive. . . . Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. And don’t accept dates from young men who would take you to such entertainment. . . . Also, don’t listen to music that is degrading. . . . Instead, we encourage you to listen to uplifting music, both popular and classical, that builds the spirit. Learn some favorite hymns from our new hymnbook that build faith and spirituality. Attend dances where the music and the lighting and the dance movements are conducive to the Spirit. Watch those shows and entertainment that lift the spirit and promote clean thoughts and actions. Read books and magazines that do the same. Remember, young women, the importance of proper dating. President Kimball gave some wise counsel on this subject: “Clearly, right marriage begins with right dating. . . . Therefore, this warning comes with great emphasis. Do not take the chance of dating nonmembers, or members who are untrained and faithless. A girl may say, ‘Oh, I do not intend to marry this person. It is just a “fun” date.’ But one cannot afford to take a chance on falling in love with someone who may never accept the gospel” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 241–42). Our Heavenly Father wants you to date young men who are faithful members of the Church, who will be worthy to take you to the temple and be married the Lord’s way. There will be a new spirit in Zion when the young women will say to their boyfriends, “If you cannot get a temple recommend, then I am not about to tie my life to you, even for mortality!” And the young returned missionary will say to his girlfriend, “I am sorry, but as much as I love you, I will not marry out of the holy temple.””

Ezra Taft Benson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage urges young women to maintain modesty, avoid immoral entertainment, and date only faithful, temple‑worthy men to protect spiritual integrity.

In simple terms: Stay modest, choose wholesome media, date spiritually compatible partners.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize spiritual standards in relationships.

Themes

modesty media consumption dating spiritual purity faithfulness

Mood

reflective serious inspirational

Type

advice religious teaching cultural guidance

When to use this quote

  • young women choosing clothing
  • selecting music
  • dating decisions
  • church activities
  • reading uplifting literature

Key Concepts

virtue temple worthiness cultural standards spiritual protection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal agency with religious counsel?
  • What defines “wholesome” media today?
A Different Perspective

The advice may be seen as restrictive or outdated in diverse modern contexts.

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