Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Study Bible

Charm is deceptive
The Hebrew word for "charm" is "chen," which can also be translated as "grace" or "favor." In the context of this verse, it refers to outward allure or attractiveness that can mislead or create a false impression. Historically, charm has been seen as a quality that can be used to manipulate or deceive, as it often focuses on external appearances rather than internal virtues. The Bible frequently warns against being swayed by superficial qualities, emphasizing the importance of inner character. This phrase serves as a reminder that what may seem appealing on the surface can often mask deeper, less desirable traits.

and beauty is fleeting
The word "beauty" in Hebrew is "yophi," which denotes physical attractiveness. The term "fleeting" is translated from "hevel," often used in Ecclesiastes to mean "vanity" or "breath," suggesting something transient and insubstantial. This phrase underscores the temporary nature of physical beauty, which fades with time. In the ancient world, as today, beauty was highly prized, yet the Bible consistently teaches that it is not a reliable foundation for one's worth or identity. This serves as a caution against placing too much value on physical appearance, which is temporary and ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of life.

but a woman who fears the LORD
The phrase "fears the LORD" comes from the Hebrew "yare' Yahweh," which implies a deep reverence and respect for God. This fear is not about being afraid but about acknowledging God's power, authority, and holiness. In the biblical context, fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is associated with living a life that honors God through obedience and faithfulness. This phrase highlights the contrast between temporary, external qualities and the enduring, internal quality of godliness. A woman who fears the Lord prioritizes her relationship with God above all else, which is the true measure of her worth.

is to be praised
The Hebrew word for "praised" is "halal," which means to commend or celebrate. In the biblical context, praise is often directed towards God, but here it is used to acknowledge the value and virtue of a godly woman. This phrase suggests that true honor and recognition come from living a life that reflects God's character and values. In a world that often celebrates superficial qualities, this verse calls for a celebration of those who embody spiritual depth and integrity. It serves as an encouragement to seek and acknowledge the qualities that are truly praiseworthy in God's eyes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman of Noble Character
This passage is part of a larger section describing the virtues of a woman who embodies wisdom and godliness. She is often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman."

2. King Lemuel
The chapter begins with the sayings of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him. This context suggests that the advice is from a mother to her son about the qualities of a virtuous wife.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The focus on fearing the LORD highlights the centrality of a relationship with God in defining true worth and virtue.

Teaching Points

The Deceptiveness of Charm
Charm can be misleading and is not a reliable indicator of character. We should be cautious of valuing charm over substance.

The Fleeting Nature of Beauty
Physical beauty is temporary and should not be the foundation of one's identity or worth. True beauty is found in godliness and character.

The Fear of the LORD as True Virtue
A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised because her life is rooted in reverence for God. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and awe for God.

Praising Godly Character
We should celebrate and honor those who demonstrate godly character, recognizing that their worth is found in their relationship with God.

Cultivating Inner Beauty
Focus on developing inner qualities such as kindness, humility, and faithfulness, which reflect the character of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of charm being deceptive challenge our cultural perceptions of attractiveness and success?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a fear of the LORD in our daily lives, and how does this impact our relationships with others?

3. Reflect on a time when you valued external appearances over inner character. What did you learn from that experience?

4. How can we encourage and support the development of godly character in our communities, especially among women?

5. What are some practical steps you can take to focus more on inner beauty and less on outward appearances, in light of 1 Peter 3:3-4?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:7
This verse emphasizes that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, aligning with the idea that charm and beauty are not the ultimate measures of a person's value.

1 Peter 3:3-4
This passage speaks about the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight, reinforcing the message that inner godliness is more valuable than external beauty.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
The conclusion of Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments, which parallels the praise given to the woman who fears the LORD.