I’ve always loved beauty, fashion, and home décor. They’re fun, creative, and a wonderful outlet for expression. But here’s the truth: if we don’t understand why God gave us beauty, these things can feel shallow and empty.
For years, one verse in particular left me wondering:
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
At first glance, it almost seems like Scripture warns us to avoid thinking about beauty altogether. Some people even interpret it to mean that if a woman is mindful of her appearance, she is somehow less spiritual. But after much prayer, study, and reflection, I don’t believe that’s what God intended at all.
The Meaning of “Vain” and “Favour”
Proverbs 31:30 doesn’t say beauty itself is evil—it says it can be vain, meaning empty if pursued for the wrong reasons. In the same breath, it says favour can be deceitful. Yet elsewhere in Scripture, favour is clearly a blessing.
- Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
- Luke 2:52 tells us, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
So, favour can be a gift from God, but it can also mislead if it causes us to trust appearances instead of character. Beauty is the same way—it isn’t worthless, but it becomes hollow if we let it define us.
The Virtuous Woman’s Example
When we look closely at Proverbs 31, we see that the virtuous woman wasn’t indifferent to her appearance. She cared for herself and her family in tangible ways:
- She was physically strong and mindful of her health (v. 17).
- She dressed her household in quality, beautiful clothing (vv. 21–22).
- She clothed herself with dignity and strength (v. 25).
Her beauty wasn’t superficial. It flowed from her daily faithfulness and the way she honored God by caring for what He entrusted to her. Outward appearance was never her obsession, but it was part of how she showed love and respect to her family, her community, and her God.
Daughters of the King
Psalm 45 paints another beautiful picture of how God views His daughters:
“The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.” (Psalm 45:13)
This passage reminds us that we are daughters of the King of kings. Our outward beauty should reflect the One we belong to, not for the sake of vanity, but as a testimony. The way we carry ourselves—with grace, with a smile, with dignity—speaks louder than we realize.
Outward beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about representing our King well.
Practical Ways to Honor God Through Beauty
So how do we approach beauty in a healthy, God-honoring way? Here are a few practices that keep my perspective balanced:
1. Wear a Smile
A genuine smile is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to show beauty. It reflects trust in God even in hard times. As Psalm 43:5 reminds us, “Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance.”
2. Learn What Works for You
What flatters one person may not work for another. Over time, I’ve learned which fabrics, colors, and styles suit my frame and complexion. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about stewarding the body God gave you with confidence.
3. Care for the Little Details
Even small things—like using fresh-smelling laundry detergent, finding a fragrance you love, or keeping linens clean—can lift your spirit and bless those around you. Beauty is often found in thoughtful touches.
4. Cultivate Inner Beauty Daily
Psalm 45:13 says, “The king’s daughter is all glorious within.” True beauty begins with the heart. That means making time for prayer, Scripture, worship, and gratitude, even when life feels overwhelming. Our inner renewal directly impacts how we shine outwardly.
5. Prioritize Health and Strength
Exercise doesn’t always have to be lengthy workouts. Even short intervals—like doing squats while brushing your teeth—help maintain strength and energy. The goal isn’t appearance alone; it’s vitality to serve God and others well.
6. Seek God in Seasons of Struggle
There are days when depression or exhaustion makes self-care feel impossible. In those moments, ask God for the strength to keep going. Remember, He is “the light of [your] countenance” (Psalm 44:3). Sometimes simply brushing your hair, putting on clean clothes, or stepping outside can be an act of faith.
Beauty with Purpose
The challenge of balancing beauty and self-care with the demands of daily life—especially motherhood—is real. At times it feels selfish to take even a few moments for ourselves. But in truth, when we care for ourselves, we also care for our families. Children feel more secure when they see their mother thriving, not depleted.
Outward beauty is not pointless. It is a reflection, a stewarding of what God has given us. But it is never the whole picture. The real goal is to let our outward beauty mirror the inward beauty God is cultivating in us.
So, no—beauty is not meaningless. It becomes meaningless only when we pursue it apart from God. When surrendered to Him, beauty is a gift, a responsibility, and even a testimony of the One who makes all things lovely.
✨ What are some ways you’ve found to balance outward and inward beauty in your life?
