The term "homely" in contemporary usage often refers to someone or something that is plain or simple in appearance, lacking in physical beauty or adornment. In a biblical context, the concept of homeliness can be explored through various scriptures that emphasize inner beauty, humility, and the value of a gentle and quiet spirit over outward appearance.

Biblical Perspective on Appearance

The Bible frequently addresses the theme of appearance, contrasting the fleeting nature of physical beauty with the enduring value of inner character. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage underscores the divine perspective that prioritizes the heart over external attributes.

Similarly, Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse highlights the transient nature of physical beauty and elevates the fear of the Lord as the true measure of a person's worth.

Inner Beauty and Humility

The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of inner beauty, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and relationships. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, women are encouraged, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage emphasizes the importance of cultivating a spirit that reflects godly virtues, which are esteemed by God.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of humility and simplicity in Philippians 2:3-4, urging believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This call to humility aligns with the biblical view that true beauty is found in selflessness and service to others.

Examples of Homely Figures in the Bible

Several biblical figures exemplify the virtues associated with homeliness, demonstrating that God's purposes are often fulfilled through those who may not possess outward beauty or status. Moses, described as "very humble, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3), was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt despite his own perceived inadequacies.

Similarly, David, the youngest and least likely of Jesse's sons, was anointed king because of his heart for God, not his appearance (1 Samuel 16:11-13). These examples illustrate that God often chooses those who are humble and unassuming to accomplish His divine will.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of homeliness challenges cultural standards of beauty and success, inviting believers to focus on the development of inner virtues that reflect God's character. Through humility, a gentle spirit, and a heart devoted to God, individuals can embody the true beauty that is precious in the sight of the Lord.1. (n.) Belonging to, or having the characteristics of, home; domestic; familiar; intimate.

2. (n.) Plain; unpretending; rude in appearance; unpolished; as, a homely garment; a homely house; homely fare; homely manners.

3. (n.) of plain or coarse features; uncomely; -- contrary to handsome.

4. (adv.) Plainly; rudely; coarsely; as, homely dressed.

That in the Time of this Work a Perfect Soul Hath no Special ...
... I say not but he shall feel some time"yea, full oft"his affection more homely to
one, two, or three, than to all these other: for that is lawful to be, for ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the five and.htm

The Sluggard's Garden
... No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with
the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the sluggards garden.htm

The Power of Diligence
... Let us then look, first, at the homely excellence that is the master-key to all
Christian maturity and grace, and then at the various fields in which we are to ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the power of diligence.htm

Preface
... It is simply a homely attempt to let out a little of what has been sifting in these
years past of this wondrous miniature Bible from John's pen. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/preface.htm

Work
... up with all the cares and business of this mortal life, this work- day world; and,
therefore, they are written in work-day language; in homely words taken from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xii work.htm

God Giving Himself.
... And if all this seems too plain and homely a way to talk about the great
God, let us remember it is the way of this blessed old Book. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/god giving himself.htm

Introduction.
... who had first opened his eyes. With homely earnestness Latimer began soon
to express his new convictions. His zeal and purity of ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/introduction.htm

Tenderness.
... in these touching words: "How often would I have gathered thy children together
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings." The imagery is homely, but oh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/tenderness.htm

Our Tented Neighbour.
... "We beheld His glory." I think John must have been thinking of Nazareth. Thirty
out of thirty-three years were spent in homely Nazareth. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/our tented neighbour.htm

"God, of Thy Goodness, Give Me Thyself; --Only in Thee I have All"
... "God, of Thy Goodness, give me Thyself;"only in Thee I have all" IN this same time
our Lord shewed me a spiritual [25] sight of His homely loving. ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter v god of thy.htm

Homely (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Plain; unpretending; rude in appearance; unpolished; as, a homely
garment; a homely house; homely fare; homely manners. ...
/h/homely.htm - 7k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... simple. 7. (superl.) Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show
or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. 8. (superl ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

Homer (6 Occurrences)

/h/homer.htm - 9k

Homelessness (1 Occurrence)

/h/homelessness.htm - 6k

Leah (30 Occurrences)
... It seems that homely Leah was a person of deep-rooted piety and therefore better
suited to become instrumental in carrying out the plans of Yahweh than her ...
/l/leah.htm - 19k

Foul (41 Occurrences)
... 4. (superl.) Hateful; detestable; shameful; odious; wretched. 5. (superl.) Loathsome;
disgusting; as, a foul disease. 6. (superl.) Ugly; homely; poor. ...
/f/foul.htm - 21k

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... education. The whole strength of the Hebrew language and of the sacred
authority of the book is thrown upon these homely truths. ...
/p/proverbs.htm - 43k

Skilled (44 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Genesis 25:27 And the boys grew, and Esau became a man skilled in hunting,
a man of the field; and Jacob was a homely man, dwelling in tents. (DBY). ...
/s/skilled.htm - 20k

Armor (53 Occurrences)
... people Israel). 2. Sling: Scarcely less common and equally homely is the
sling (qela`; sphendone) (1 Samuel 17:40). It consists ...
/a/armor.htm - 41k

Arms (166 Occurrences)
... people Israel). 2. Sling: Scarcely less common and equally homely is the
sling (qela`; sphendone) (1 Samuel 17:40). It consists ...
/a/arms.htm - 56k

Who was Leah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Homely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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