JirehHave you ever seen someone so pretty yet her makeup nor clothing choice has nothing to do with her beauty?
I think by now we know that makeup comes and goes and it’s the beauty within that matters. Cosmetics only enhance someone’s beauty. Beauty in itself does not come in the form of a warm bronzer, a shimmering highlighter, nor the perfect shade of lipstick. I don’t find packaging, plastic tubes and compacts that interesting.
So if we go beyond the makeup, then what makes a woman beautiful? I gathered a list based on none other than the Proverbs 31 woman and before you roll your eyes thinking, “I could never be the Proverbs 31 woman- SKIP!” This isn’t a checklist of all the things that you must do or be in order to become beautiful. If that were the case and if I was the reader, I’d probably cry before I even began, haha! It’s merely a breakdown, verse by verse, of the advice King Lemuel’s mom gave him (yes, Proverbs 31 was written to a man), and the fact that true beauty does not come from outer adornment.
1. Her nobility
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (v. 10)
If you need a refresher on what “noble” means, according to the Oxford Dictionary, it’s “having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals.” Verse 10 already starts us off with this characteristic and that “she is worth far more than rubies.” Even the most luxurious gems and stones have nothing on you!
2. Her work ethic
“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” (v. 13)
Throughout the remainder of Proverbs 31, you can clearly see how hardworking she is and people appreciate her because of it. She’s loved and cherished by those around her.
3. Her selflessness
“She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.” (v. 15)
4. Her care for others
(v. 15)
She puts the interests and comforts of those around her first. Even those who work for her. And although the “she gets up while it is still night” leads us to the conclusion that she gets up super early before dawn even breaks, I believe that even if it meant the actual night time before 12am, she would still provide for those if they were in need.
5. Her resilience
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (v. 17)
Something tells me that she doesn’t give up easily, don’t you think? She’s focused, she’s determined, and ready for the tasks that lay before her.
6. Her competence
“She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” (v. 18)
She’s able to do her work and the tasks at hand successfully and efficiently. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t be profitable!
7. Her diligence
“In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.” (v. 19)
This verse can reveal a lot of characteristics of her, but for me, diligence comes to mind. Her hands are not merely for a nice manicure, but for manual labor. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty to get a job. She’s willing to build the skills needed in order to serve her community well and to provide for her family.
8. Her compassion for others
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (v. 20)
Just as being compassionate to her aides in verse 15, she continues to show kindness to others outside of managing her household, including the less fortunate.
9. Her preparedness
“When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” (v. 21)
At first I thought this verse was a metaphor; that when it snows means the storms of life and that has no fear. And although I’m sure she is a woman of strong courage, as I studied deeper, this verse is quite literal. Just as we prepare for winter by chopping more firewood and buying bags of rock salt and shovels for the driveway, she also prepared her household. She gets ready for what’s to come.
10. Her creativity
“She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.” (v. 24)
I always call those who create clothes creative. It’s designing afterall. But what I love even more about her is that she doesn’t just stop there. She doesn’t just make her products but she sells them. To sell and market products takes creativity, too.
11. Her strength
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (v. 25)
12. Her dignity
(v. 25)
13. Her “come what may” attitude
(v. 25)
One of my favorite verses! She’s tough and has a sense of self-respect. But what I adore about her is that even when the mistakes, failures (she’s human- she has them!) and unforeseeable life events happens, she can still laugh and move forward. As if she’s saying, “Bring it on.”
14. Her wisdom
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (v. 25)
Usually wisdom comes from past experiences, an intentionality of learning and applying from life’s lessons, and sometimes mentors to guide you. I believe she has all of them, thus, was able to instruct and help others, too.
15. Her leadership
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (v. 27)
I’ve had to manage a household of 8 during quarantine, and let me tell you, it is not a walk in the park. The Bible doesn’t say exactly how many people were under her roof, but judging by the previous verses on what she does to provide and the employment of servants tells me she was juggling quite a bit. But to be honest, whether she has 8 people or just 3, she has the leadership. And that helps her complete and delegate all that she needs to do.
16. Her fear for the Lord
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (v. 30)
Most importantly, she fears God. No, not frightened or scared of Him, but she reveres, respects, and obeys Him because she loves Him. And that’s what allows her to become all that she is and to do all that she does.
Isn’t it funny that the closing of this chapter in this verse specifically tells us that it’s not the attractiveness nor physical beauty of a woman that makes her beautiful? Not one verse says anything similar to, “She adds treatment to her hair for silky, smooth locks,” or, “She’s as dedicated to her skincare routine as a shepherd is to his sheep.” No, it’s the woman whose virtue and confidence that only comes from the Lord is what’s to be praised.
Her occupation, volunteering capacity, and late nights and early mornings aren’t what define her. It’s her heart that is so deeply buried in God and His Truth that she’s comfortable and confident in her worth, value, and identity that’s found in Him alone.
