What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:30? Charm is deceptive - “Charm is deceptive” signals that personality sparkle can cloak selfish motives. Proverbs 26:24-26 warns, “A hateful man disguises himself with his speech… Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.” - Outward appeal often misleads. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” - Jesus addressed the same issue with religious showmanship: “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:27). - Takeaway: evaluate character, not charisma. Beauty is fleeting - Physical loveliness has an expiration date. Isaiah 40:7-8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall… but the word of our God stands forever.” - Even a disciplined body cannot outlast time: “Physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way” (1 Timothy 4:8). - Paul writes, “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). - Peter ties it together: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… but from the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4). - Takeaway: invest in the eternal, not the temporary. A woman who fears the LORD - The “fear of the LORD” is reverent awe that produces obedience. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). - Security flows from it: “He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence” (Proverbs 14:26). - Such reverence spills into daily life: • Delighting in His commands (Psalm 112:1) • Trusting His promises (Luke 1:45) • Exhibiting noble character (Ruth 3:11) - Takeaway: the inner posture toward God shapes every outward action. Is to be praised - Praise first rises at home: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well” (Proverbs 31:28). - The wider church family is urged to “esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). - Ultimately, God Himself affirms faithful motives: “Each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). - Lasting honor comes from fearing the LORD: “His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10). - Takeaway: heaven and earth agree in commending godly reverence. summary Authentic charm flows from character, not cosmetics. Physical beauty fades, but reverent devotion to the LORD grows richer with time. The woman who lives in holy awe gains the applause of her family, the respect of the community, and, supremely, the commendation of God Himself. |
    |