Bible Strands
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The speaker addresses the woman described in the preceding poem, concluding that she surpasses other noble women in action and character.
The words — The text contrasts שֶׁקֶר (sheker/deception) and הֶבֶל (hevel/vanity) regarding חֵן (chen/grace) and יֹפִי (yofi/beauty) with the enduring quality of יִרְאַת יְהוָה (yirat Yahweh/fearing Yahweh).
The thread — This theme recurs in Proverbs 1:7, which grounds true knowledge in the fear of the LORD, Proverbs 11:22, which condemns beauty without discretion, and 1 Peter 3:4, which prioritizes the inner disposition of the heart over external appearance.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers evaluate lasting worth by reverence for God rather than transient physical appeal, directing praise toward observable character and work.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- 1 Peter 3:4 but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.
- Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
- Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
- 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
- Esther 1:11 to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold.
- Psalms 147:11 The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- 1 Peter 1:7 so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Proverbs 6:25 Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.