What does 1 Timothy 2:10 mean?

Instead of focusing on clothing, hair, and jewelry, Paul taught that when women gathered for worship, the focus was to be on a reasonable presentation. His phrase about godliness simply refers to women who claimed to be believers in Christ.

Paul's preference here is that, instead of putting energy and anxiety into things like clothes and jewelry, that the women of the church should focus their attention on "good works." Hebrews 11 includes women in the list of faithful followers of God, such as Sarah (Hebrews 11:11), the mother of Moses (Hebrews 11:23), and Rahab (Hebrews 11:31). The books of Ruth and Esther in the Old Testament also prominently feature the influential role of godly women. Others, such as Hannah, are often applauded for their godly lives (1 Samuel 1:1–20). In the New Testament both Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were also highlighted as godly women.

In addition, many of the early followers of Jesus were women, including those who first saw Him resurrected (Luke 24:22–24). Paul would later mention widows known for good works (1Timothy 5:10, 25) and encourage the rich (including women) to be "rich in good works" (1 Timothy 6:17–18).