“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:29-31)

How does she excel them all? “…in real beauty, in true riches, in purity of doctrine, in simplicity of worship, in holiness of life and conversation, in undefiled religion, in doing good works, properly so called. Christ’s church is ‘the fairest among women’ (Solomon 1:8).” (Gill’s Commentary)

The Proverbs 31 woman was hard-working. She looked well to the ways of her household. Yet her most valuable quality was her deep love and commitment to the Lord and His Word. This is true and lasting beauty. Our outward man decays over time. I know! I have gray hair, wrinkles, and age spots. My hair is thinning, and my body doesn’t look the same as it did when I was young. This happens to everyone who is blessed to live a long life. I am thankful to have lived this long! I do understand the blessing of wisdom and discernment, however. I see clearly the blessings of living for the Lord. Living for self is empty. Living for the Lord and others is fulfilling and what we were created to do!

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain. Outward graces do not last; praise that will be real and enduring is for those only who fear the Lord, and, out of regard for Him, perform the duties of life as the ‘virtuous woman’ here described.” (Ellicot’s Commentary)

Many women these days live for the spotlight. They post selfies all over social media. They present a home that looks perfect. They can be whatever they choose to be for each picture they take. They do it for the likes and praise. They are putting their hope in their looks and the image they present. This is deceitful and vain. This isn’t lasting. It’s temporary. The applause from the world is short-lived. Live solely for the Lord. This is all that matters, women.

God cares about how we love our husbands by speaking highly of them and doing them good. He wants us to work hard at home for our families and not be lazy. He wants us not to live in fear but by faith in Him for everything. He wants our words to be from wisdom and kindness. He wants us to repent and believe in Him. Then, if we love Him, we will obey Him. This is the most important and valuable quality of all.

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; it is but just and fit that she should enjoy those benefits and praises which her excellent labours deserve. Let her own works praise her; give her the praises which her own works may challenge. If men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will loudly trumpet forth her praises. In the gates; in the most public and solemn assemblies.” (Matthew Poole’s Commentary)

***The first post in this series: A Beautiful Ideal of a Woman’s Life.

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