As was David regarding Bathsheba, men of our generation are largely attracted to external beauty rather than good internal qualities. Beauty portrayed today is largely based on attributes of physical beauty that are enhanced and bared to gain the attention of men. The Bible portrays a completely different criteria for a woman of true beauty.
For a picture of a truly beautiful woman/wife, we turn to Proverbs 31. First, her value is not based on physical attributes; rather, emphasis is placed upon her character. She is said to be of “indescribable value” (vs. 10). Today, millions of dollars are spent on improving physical qualities, a practice that clearly sees physical beauty as that which is of value. For the child of God, true value is seen much more in what a person is or does than what they look like.
Secondly, the godly woman is portrayed by a number of internal qualities. She is a woman who is hard-working (vs. 13-19). Her hard work is characterized by her ability to work with her hands, rise early to feed her family, and make wise decisions in her thrift. She generously shares with others (vs. 20), manifesting her refusal to be overly worried about herself. She is willing to go above and beyond for her family (vs. 21-24). She sees a glass as half-full rather than half-empty (vs. 25). She is kind in her dealings with others (vs. 26). She is one whose family recognizes and expresses her possession of these traits to others (vs. 28-29). Finally, she is portrayed as one who “fears” (reverences) God (vs. 30).
As a man considers a woman to marry today, what criteria does he use and what difference will it make? A sad reality today is that almost half of the marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. Why is that rate so high? Might men be focusing on something other than true internal beauty? As we consider such choices the qualities provided in the book of Proverbs paints a picture of a woman who is valuable, not because of how she looks or what she wears, but because of what kind of person she is and how those qualities will aid in making a godly husband better, help raise godly children, and form a “team” that will help all members of the family spend eternity with God.
May we look for such a woman. May we train our daughters to be that kind of women. May we train our sons to seek for such a woman. May we realize that, in such matters, God’s way is always the best way.
pmcintosh1957 