What lasts?

Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

***********************************

The context of this verse has caused some to dismiss it as unattainable. But a further look into the whole of the Bible underlines the truth of this passage. Godliness is more important than beauty or charm.

The world around us values beauty far too much. And this fascination is especially unhelpful when you realise there is a contempt for the value of godliness.

Often the health and beauty industry touts longevity as the reason for looking great. Or we are encouraged to achieve a certain quality of life so we can enjoy it more. We want to look and feel great. We want to be charming and beautiful. Who wouldn't? People who are not charming and don't care for their appearance are the object of criticism. In fact, I'd go so far as to question whether we can really conceive of an ideal person (especially a woman), that we might aspire to be, considered "godly" who was not also charming and beautiful. We value charmingness and beauty so highly we can't conceive of godliness without it. Or if we can we do not desire it for yourselves, whether what we want in a man or woman.

Godliness is the goal. Fearing the Lord is the way.

Do you value godliness? What is it like? How well can you describe godliness?

We could discuss variations in beauty all day long. The nuances and words to describe beauty would and does fill books and magazines nearly infinitum. And to some extent, charm too, is a topic we are able to elaborate on extensively, from grace and deportment to conversation and knowledge.

But how extensive is your vocabulary describing what it means to be a godly woman?

How will do you know your goal?  What are its nuances?

It is interesting that we know so much about the two things that Proverbs says are of little value and at best fleeting.

But what do we know of godliness?

The sad thing is our image of beauty and charm are "photoshopped" beyond all reality and exist only in paintings, magazines and movies.

Yet it is this same unattainable argument used to diminished the image of a godly woman set out before us in Proverbs 31.

If Proverbs 31,isn't the poster image and goal of what becomes a godly woman what is?

Godliness should be our goal. And we should be well acquainted with it. Men should desire it. Women should aspire to it. Oh to be sure, men too should aspire to it and the Bible is replete with characters who serve as images of a godly man.

But man or woman, it is Jesus who sets the bar. And it is only Jesus who can make us able to achieve the goal.

How acquainted are you with Jesus? How much does your vocabulary and modelling reflect him as your object of admiration?
Is godliness your goal?
Is Jesus your model?

***********************************

Proverbs 31:10-31 NLT

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.