Healthy Fear vs. Charm & Beauty

What is greater than deceptive charm and fleeting beauty? A healthy fear of the Lord...

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV

The Book of Proverbs was written as a guideline to aid individuals in attaining wisdom, discipline, and a prudent life. It discusses how to do what is right and fair and apply this wisdom daily. The authors included King Solomon for most of it and the later sections, Agur and Lemuel. Our focus for this scripture standout will be in the portion described as the sayings of King Lemuel, specifically Proverbs 31:30.

Throughout the Book of Proverbs, wisdom is a central theme. For the first nine chapters, the book addresses wisdom for the young, then later in chapters 10 through 24, the book addresses wisdom for all and ends with chapters 25 through 31, which communicates wisdom for the leaders. The verse describes the sayings that King Lemuel's mother would tell him about how to live a life of honor and what to look for in a wife.

What does it mean to fear the Lord? One of the key verses at the beginning of the Book of Proverbs is

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NIV

This verse describes the importance of avoiding being fools or who we refer to as "know-it-alls." They rarely seek guidance, are opposed to learning, and lack discipline. On the other hand, a person who fears the Lord is open to being advised by the Lord and those whom God has given authority and revere God enough to understand God knows all as opposed to oneself.

To fear the Lord is to honor and respect God, to live in awe of his power, and to obey his Word.

Do I fear the Lord? How do we show reverence for the Lord when deceptive charm and fleeting beauty seem so readily celebrated by others? Action Steps

1. Honestly reflect on how you view God and how you live life. Do you believe in the sovereign will and power of God? Do you live a life that reflects this belief?

   1. If you answered no to any of these questions, it is time to do a true transformation in your life and fully repent.

2. Know the Word of God. Spend time meditating on the Word of God morning and night as the scripture says:

   1. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV

3. Follow the Word. Be open to the guidance and instruction of the Lord.

   1. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV

   2. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4 NIV

4. Spread the Word and Good News. Help others and avoid doing anything that will lead others astray.

   1. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.Romans 14:22 NIV

What are your thoughts on this list? Is there anything you would add? How do you demonstrate the fear of the Lord in your life? Share in the comments below.

I also encourage you to look at the Proverbs 31 chapter in full. The woman described by King Lemuel's mother is an excellent example and the qualities she demonstrates are those that set the women of the Lord apart.Many blessings unto you and until next time!

Source: Life Application Study Bible - New International Version (NIV)