Proverbs 31:30a: Charm is deceitful.
Insight
The world may measure a woman’s worth by outward charm and beauty, but those who are wise look beyond the surface. A flirtatious woman may gather a crowd of suitors, but underneath the charm one may find a rotten character. Likewise, worldly women often have physical beauty while lacking character. Mere outward beauty does not last in spite of make-up, exercise, and surgery. A marriage based merely upon outward beauty will fail because the body wilts over time like cut flowers. But the godly woman’s inner beauty grows over time. She is adorned by her good works and wise character. A godly man finds his greatest delight in such beauty. 1
Application
When the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him. Esther 1:10–12
Please show as much godly grace as possible, for this can be very charming and very appropriate. But refuse to be charming, when the motive is to manipulate a favorable response from another. Avoid the emotional games that are intended to deceive another for personal gain.
Motivation
As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. Proverbs 11:22
Anyone interested in building character looks beyond the external. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving the discernment I need to avoid a bad situation.
1. Newheiser, J. (2008). Opening up Proverbs (p. 180). Leominster: Day One Publications.
