Proverbs 31:30
A woman's true beauty and worth come from a sweet love of Jesus, not from seeking praise or favor from others.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the concept of true beauty in women, highlighting that while praise and approval are deeply desired, they should not be sought from the fleeting favor of the crowd or superficial beauty. He explains that true fulfillment comes from a life that fears the Lord, as this inner beauty is what truly attracts and earns genuine praise. Smith warns against the emptiness of seeking validation through external appearances and societal approval, encouraging women to focus on their relationship with God as the source of their worth and beauty.
Text
"THE TRUE BEAUTY"
I. "SHE SHALL BE PRAISED."
A. Every woman desires praise.
1. She constantly seeks her husband's approval.
a. "Her desire shall be to her husband."
b. How do I look.
c. Do you like my new hair style?
d. How do you like the casserole?
2. Men as a rule derive their satisfaction from their work.
a. Rewarded by their accomplishments.
3. So much of the wife's labor is mundane and redundant.
a. Cleaning house can get to be a drag.
b. No end to dirty clothes.
c. The same thing over and over.
d. The fulfillment comes not in the work, but in the
recognition and praise for the work.
B. Every woman needs praise.
1. I wish I could remember this.
II. "FAVOR IS DECEITFUL."
A. Some strive for the favor of the crowd.
1. Their whole effort toward excelling to receive the crowds
applause.
2. The rigid discipline of the athlete.
3. Some ladies to gain favor are volunteers.
a. They will bake the cookies.
b. The will pick up the kids.
c. They will serve on the committee.
B. Favor is deceitful because:
1. It is so short-lived.
a. Today you may have excelled and gained the
crowd's favor.
b. Tomorrow you are forgotten as they find new
heroes.
2. It doesn't truly satisfy.
a. You often begin to resent.
III. BEAUTY IS VAIN.
A. Some seek praise for their beauty.
1. Their whole life centered around making themselves
beautiful.
B. Totally self-centered life.
1. When your life revolves around your ego, you become
lonely and empty.
C. Some day you discover the truth to the old Swedish proverb.
"God looks don't last. "Good cooking does."
1. The grass withers, the flowers fade, and surface beauty
wrinkles.
D. The true beauty is not in the outer adorning of your body.
1. A woman should always dress according to truth.
2. i.e., When a man looks at you he doesn't misunderstand
what you are.
IV. "BUT A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED."
A. Nothing more attractive than a sweet love of Jesus emerging forth
from your life.
Sermon Outline
- She Shall Be Praised points: - Every woman desires praise - She constantly seeks her husband's approval - Her desire shall be to her husband - How do I look - Do you like my new hair style - How do you like the casserole
- I wish I could remember this points: - Every woman needs praise
- Favor is Deceitful points: - Some strive for the favor of the crowd - Their whole effort toward excelling to receive the crowds applause - The rigid discipline of the athlete - Some ladies to gain favor are volunteers
- It is so short-lived points: - Favor is deceitful because - Today you may have excelled and gained the crowds favor - Tomorrow you are forgotten as they find new heroes
- It doesn't truly satisfy points: - You often begin to resent
- Beauty is Vain points: - Some seek praise for their beauty - Their whole life centered around making themselves beautiful
- When your life revolves around your ego, you become lonely and empty points: - Totally self-centered life
- God looks don't last. Good cooking does points: - Some day you discover the truth to the old Swedish proverb
- A woman should always dress according to truth points: - The true beauty is not in the outer adorning of your body
- i.e., When a man looks at you he doesn't misunderstand what you are points: null
- But a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised points: - Nothing more attractive than a sweet love of Jesus emerging forth from your life
Key Quotes
“God looks don't last. Good cooking does.” — Chuck Smith
“A woman should always dress according to truth.” — Chuck Smith
“When a man looks at you he doesn't misunderstand what you are.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- A woman's desire for praise and fulfillment should come from a love of Jesus, not from seeking approval from others.
- Striving for the favor of the crowd can lead to resentment and emptiness.
- True beauty and worth come from a life centered on Jesus, not from external appearances or accomplishments.