Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Her powers come from the outside, not the inside.
A woman may have charm and beauty but she needs much more to be a superwoman. She needs superhuman control, strength and endurance.
How does she get these powers?
Read More About Superwoman
- Proverbs 31:12-17 - What does Superwoman really look like?
- Proverbs 31:18-24 - How does Superwoman help society?
- Proverbs 31:25-29 - How does Superwoman lead? (Deals with single women.)
- Proverbs 31:30 - From where does Superwoman get her super powers?
Super power comes from the outside and not from a focus on self. In fact, the “I-Land” self-improvement strategy which is not rooted in God becomes an “I-Land” of disappointment.
Smoke in Mirrors
Charm is deceitful. Many women are charming and even go to finishing school to learn how to be charming. The word “charm” is sometimes used to mean a lucky charm, as if it were an omen with some type of magical power. But charm in and of itself is not the problem. Problems arise when the gracious behavior of a charming person causes those around him/her to drop their guard. The worst types of liars are charming liars. Soon it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s illusory, like smoke in mirrors.
Withering Beauty
Similarly beauty is vain. Beauty is skin deep. Shallow. Transient. In a few decades, the beauty queen will be old and wrinkled. Ironically, according to the text, the woman who focuses on herself with cosmetics and developing her social graces, while neglecting her Maker will not be praiseworthy in the long term. On the other hand, the woman focused on inner beauty will gain lasting satisfaction. Surprisingly this inner glow comes from having the right fear.
The Right Fear
What is it? She fears the LORD. Great success comes from having the right fear. Instead of asking, "From where does Superwoman get her super powers?", we should ask "From whom does Superwoman get her super powers?" The short answer is "The LORD" but why should she or anyone else for that matter, fear the LORD?
What is the fear of the LORD? It’s more than just the right fear, it’s actually a life-giving fear. It’s available to men, women and children. Learn more about it by studying Proverbs 15:16: How much is enough?
Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend
Jesus is not a force, but a life giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).
His appeal is not transitory like skin-deep beauty nor is He unreliable like someone who appears charming but is really selfish.
The Holy Spirit gives supernatural power to all who fear the LORD. The Lord Jesus Christ can make any woman into a superwoman, but note very carefully, her strength and abilities come from God alone for Jesus told all his disciples that without Him, they could do nothing (John 15:5).
- Memorize the text in your favourite translation and think about it often.
- Have your daily time alone with God, reading the Bible and praying to Him, BEFORE putting on cosmetics/makeup.*
- Attend a gospel-centered local church with your family to grow in faith, fellowship and accountability.*
- Pray daily for your husband and children, keeping a journal of requests and answers to prayer.*
Which of these steps, if any, does Jesus want you to take now? Ask Him.
* As recommended by Priscilla Lipp.
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