Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:30-31)
We’re at the end. Here is where Lemuel’s mother summarizes everything she’s said.
Our society has us trained to believe that it’s the outside of a person that’s important—the charm. This verse says that charm is deceitful.
That word deceitful can also mean disappointment or falsehood. We’ve all operated as if that new haircut or those new shoes will make the difference. But did it? When you think about it the idea is false. And the thing itself is always a disappointment.
The word vain can also be translated as vapor or breath. It doesn’t last. It fades when the sun hits it.
BUT… The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Not her clothes, her hair, her wrinkle-less face. A woman who respects and worships the Lord grows in beauty—on the inside. The kind of beauty that doesn’t fade. That people recognize and want to be around.
That kind of woman produces fruit/works that will praise her. I don’t usually think of my work praising me. There are just things that I do. But, as I think about it, the things I do build a reputation. A reputation both for me and my Lord.
This woman trusts the Lord, makes good use of what He’s given her and treats others well. Pretty good reputation I’d say!