Beautiful Word Devotional #88

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

To charm someone means to use one’s looks and wiles to achieve something—to, for instance, gain attention, take advantage of someone, or get your way. This proverb reminds us women that living by our charms will ultimately not satisfy. If we charm others—if we manipulate people into relationship with us—we will never know if they genuinely love us for who we are.

Beauty does fade with the years, and that is true for everyone. Beauty simply cannot and does not last. But the beauty of our souls is eternal, and we can cultivate that beauty if we want. A beautiful soul fears the Lord, values his opinion of her more than anyone else’s, and honors him with all she thinks, says, and does. A beautiful soul serves with no regard for self, worships her God whatever the circumstances of her life, and shares openly about her heavenly Father’s goodness. No wonder God is pleased and she is praised!

You will find joy in pursuing a beautiful soul.

Lord, I ask you to make my soul beautiful for your great glory! Amen.