Are you externally or internally focused?

We live in a culture that emphasizes and promotes outward appearance. Everywhere you look (commercials, social media, billboards, and magazine publications) there are recommendations on how to enhance our physical appearance. Men and women invest tremendous sums of money to improve their looks and worship at the altar of vanity. The “ideal” woman spoken of in this proverb is King Lemuel’s depiction of “feminine wisdom” as taught to him by his mother concerning the type of woman to look for in a potential wife. This “ideal” woman of value is not distinguished by her outer beauty. Throughout the chapter, not once does the writer describe her physical attributes. This is because her beauty isn’t derived from her outward appearance but from her inner beauty which is recognized by her service to others. The woman’s character, love, and reverence for the Lord are on display as an encouraging witness to others. She is a blessing to her husband and family.

Anyone can turn on the charm and deceive others if they have the ability to imitate someone or something we are not. This woman’s reverence for the Lord declares her praiseworthiness. She represents that what is on the inside holds much greater value than the outward appearance. As believers and followers of Jesus, we will one day stand before our Creator who will judge us based on our relationship with him, with others, and the investments we have made to promote his kingdom. The Proverbs 31 woman should not be envied; instead, she should be held as an inspiration to anyone seeking to follow her example as expressed in Proverbs 1:7 which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” As we endeavor to look more like Jesus, let us be more like King Lemuel’s “ideal,” and aspire to an internal focus that will produce an eternal blessing.

What attributes have you attained that reflect the Proverbs 31 woman?

What characteristics of godliness will you strive towards this week?

Father God, thank you for the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Thank you for the woman that you created me to be. Help me to be content with how you created me and be attentive to the condition of my heart. As I journey through this life may I demonstrate godliness to those around me. Help me to cultivate the fruits of your Spirit, walk in humility, and have a deep reverence for you always. I desire that my inner beauty will bring glory and honor to your name.  It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Scripture References:

Psalm 147:11; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Peter 3:3-4