Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

                                                                                                           Proverbs 31:30 

Today: Read Proverbs 31

We live in a world in which outward beauty is highly affirmed, but today’s passage is a reminder that the woman who has a reverence and respect for God is to be praised and celebrated. The world continues to send us messages of staying as young as possible, especially when it comes to our outward appearance. But the inward beauty of a godly woman is not something that fades over time rather it is the substance of what is good and increases with age. While it is equally important for men to be godly, the writer spends time exalting the attributes of the godly woman.

Some women are single mothers while some have a husband. Some women work multiple jobs just to make a living while others pursue a lucrative career. Some women make the decision to invest in the home and in the raising of her children. But the economic or social status of a woman nor her appearance should be the overarching criteria in assessing her worth. The Bible tells us that a woman who has a desire to please the Lord is a treasure and is distinguishable above all others. When a man is blessed to have a godly woman as his wife, he truly has found a good thing.

If you are a single man, this passage contains a tremendous amount of wisdom in guiding you as you search for a wife. If godliness is not at the top of your list, it should be. Yes, outward beauty and mutual attraction do play a role in assessing compatibility but it is not everything. Going to the heart of a person is as important as appreciating their outward appearance. The godly woman may have external beauty but it is the faith and devotion that flows from her heart that is the true fortune.

If you are already married, I believe that we are to honor God in our present relationship. In many cases, mistakes could have been made in the past in the area of selecting a mate. For the person in a relationship that is less than ideal, there is hope for the future. As believers, if we determine to honor God with our lives and give Him priority, He can take a less than perfect situation and mold it into something beautiful and useful. So, if you are married, honor God in everything you do and trust Him to make your marriage one that is powerful and effective for the kingdom.

As we conclude our look at the wisdom found in Proverbs, I believe this would be a good time for Christian men everywhere to either pray about their future wife (if they are still single) or to pray and thank God for the godly woman that is a part of their family.