Proverbs 31 Devo
What makes me beautiful?
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
I’m guilty of having this mindset… that beauty is defined by outward appearance. Maybe you do too. No wonder we believe this lie because Hollywood, culture, and social media have painted the narrative that beauty comes from the look of your body, the number on a scale, and the number of guys’ heads you turn. That’s why scripture is clear that we are to renew our minds so that we aren’t transformed by the patterns of this world. The more I’m in the world and not submitted to the affections of Christ, the more I’m tempted to dress immodestly, seek the attention of guys and be praised for how I look.
So what is the true definition of beauty? True beauty comes from fearing the Lord, meaning that we love Him. Why? Because it’s what’s eternal. It’s what’s sustains through the ages. It’s what has immense value. You see, the outward fades. It wrinkles. It changes. It’s not steadfast. But your heart, it’s priceless in the eyes of Christ. He wants you to guard the condition of it. He’s begging you to keep it pure before Him.
A side note here for relationships… looks fade so ask God to change your heart to care more about finding a man who fears Jesus rather than the pretty boy who says all of the right things. Those boys 50 years down the road (if you’re still together) forsake loving their wives as Christ loved the church and make pathetic dads who don’t lead as he’s called to. Yet the guy who loves Christ will still be leading you to the cross, cherishing you, and discipling your kids (Rant over, back to normal devo).
Women who fear God are rare. They are a treasure. They are in a league of their own. Girl, you can have a pretty face and an ugly heart. You might not be praised publicly by social media or Hollywood for your true beauty, but your Heavenly Father is praising you. When He thinks of beauty, He thinks of you. Friend, looks will trick you, so don’t be fooled. Outward beauty doesn’t last, so make it your aim to fear the Lord.
You are beautiful for your pursuit of the Savior.
You are beautiful for your desire to stay far from sin.
You are beautiful for the way you live set apart from culture.
You are beautiful in the way you love your neighbor.
You are beautiful for your purity.
You are beautiful in the way you serve.
Culture praises the external. Jesus praises the internal. His kingdom is different. Wear your makeup girl, and buy the cute outfit, but purify your heart before the Lord. Your internal beauty is of so much greater significance. Godliness is what makes you beautiful. Godliness is what lasts.
Chase that.
