The term "ill-clad" refers to individuals who are poorly dressed, often lacking adequate clothing to protect them from the elements or to maintain a standard of modesty and dignity. In biblical times, clothing was not only a necessity for protection and modesty but also a symbol of one's social status and spiritual condition. The Bible addresses the condition of being ill-clad in various contexts, often highlighting themes of poverty, compassion, and divine provision.

Biblical References:

1. Poverty and Need:
The condition of being ill-clad is frequently associated with poverty and need. In the Book of James, believers are admonished to respond to the needs of the poor, including those who are ill-clad. James 2:15-16 states, "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells them, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that?" This passage underscores the importance of practical faith expressed through acts of charity and kindness.

2. Compassion and Generosity:
The Bible calls for compassion towards those who are ill-clad. In Isaiah 58:7 , the prophet Isaiah speaks of true fasting and righteousness, which includes sharing with those in need: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your home; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?" This verse emphasizes the moral obligation to clothe the naked and care for the less fortunate.

3. Divine Provision:
God's provision for the ill-clad is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Matthew 6:28-30 , Jesus teaches about God's care for His creation, using the example of clothing: "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" This passage reassures believers of God's ability and willingness to provide for their needs, including clothing.

4. Spiritual Implications:
Being ill-clad can also symbolize spiritual poverty or a lack of righteousness. In Revelation 3:17-18 , the church of Laodicea is admonished for its spiritual complacency: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." Here, the lack of proper spiritual attire is a metaphor for the church's need for true righteousness and spiritual insight.

Practical Application:

The biblical perspective on being ill-clad encourages believers to act with compassion and generosity towards those in need, reflecting God's love and provision. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual readiness and righteousness, urging individuals to seek God's provision both materially and spiritually.

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... little panes of common glass which had been inserted to serve as windows, he walked
through a densely packed and expectant throng of poor, ill-clad, work-worn ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... Can his faith save him? ^15 Suppose some brother or sister is ill-clad and short
of daily food; ^16 if any of you says to them, Depart in peace! ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

Ill-clad (6 Occurrences)
Ill-clad. Ill-behaved, Ill-clad. Ill-conditioned . Multi-Version
Concordance Ill-clad (6 Occurrences). Matthew 25:36 ...
/i/ill-clad.htm - 7k

Homeless (6 Occurrences)
... or ill-clad, and clothe Thee? ... Matthew 25:43 when homeless, you gave me no welcome;
ill-clad, you clothed me not; sick or in prison, you visited me not.' (WEY). ...
/h/homeless.htm - 8k

Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... WEY RSV). Matthew 25:38 When did we see Thee homeless, and give Thee a welcome?
or ill-clad, and clothe Thee? (WEY RSV). Matthew 25 ...
/w/welcome.htm - 15k

Ill (137 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Matthew 25:36 when I was ill-clad, you clothed me; when I was sick, you
visited me; when I was in prison, you came to see me.' (WEY BBE DBY). ...
/i/ill.htm - 35k

Ill-behaved (1 Occurrence)
Ill-behaved. I'll, Ill-behaved. Ill-clad . Multi-Version Concordance Ill-behaved
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). I'll, Ill-behaved. Ill-clad . Reference Bible
/i/ill-behaved.htm - 6k

Ill-conditioned (1 Occurrence)
Ill-conditioned. Ill-clad, Ill-conditioned. Illegal . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WEY). Ill-clad, Ill-conditioned. Illegal . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-conditioned.htm - 6k

Serve (407 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:44 "Then will they also answer, "'Lord, when did we see Thee hungry or
thirsty or homeless or ill-clad or sick or in prison, and not come to serve ...
/s/serve.htm - 39k

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