The True Beauty

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:30-31

It is amazing the lengths and pains people are willing to endure to pursue their ideals concerning personal beauty.  The treatments, augmentations, lifts, sculpting and injections can almost become a idolatrous pursuit of beauty that quickly passes away.  People post images of themselves to seek favour of friends and strangers, and compliments and criticisms both increase along with followers.  The standard of what is considered beautiful today changes by the day, for we are never satisfied.

God tells us what is better than perfectly manicured brows, youthful skin and a toned body from hours in the gym:  the woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.  This chapter of Proverbs focuses primarily on the great value of a virtuous woman and wife who is industrious, diligent, caring and godly.  Unlike society that places emphasis on appearances, this passage focuses on who she is and how her God-fearing character is revealed in ways that benefit her and others.  Her true beauty is not accentuated by her fine clothing, make-up or flattering filters but from her trusting relationship with God.  Beauty seen as praiseworthy by God comes from within, and it comes from Him.

Proverbs 31:25-26 says, "Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."  The woman described here is clothed with something better than designer clothes that fade and go out of fashion, for she is clothed with the strength and honour of her Designer.  Her mouth speaks forth wisdom governed by the law of kindness, and this is something that marked Jesus Christ who has become wisdom for us.

Both men and women can be vain and seek attention for themselves:  did you know those who walk wisely are able to attract people closest to them to behold the beauty of God?  See what is written in 1 Peter 3:1-4: "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, ² when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. ³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit has incorruptible beauty in the sight of God.

The woman described in Proverbs 31 is not fearful or timid but confident in God, comfortable in her skin, delighting in her relationship with God and others.  Like Jesus who was servant of all, she is assertive in demonstrating love and kindness by wisdom and the fear of the LORD.  This gentle and quiet spirit was seen in Jesus, and by His grace all who trust in Him have the opportunity to adorn Him with the humility, grace and kindness He has given us.  There is nothing wrong with styled hair, new clothes that fit well or receiving compliments:  our aim ought to be to compliment the LORD with hearts that rest in Him.  To hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" is infinitely greater than the adoration and praise of millions.  God knows true beauty when He sees it.