Proverbs 31:30 kjv

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30 nkjv

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30 niv

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

Proverbs 31:30 esv

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30 nlt

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 30 Meaning

Proverbs 31:30 serves as the culminating wisdom regarding the true nature of praiseworthiness in a woman. It unequivocally states that outward charm and physical beauty are temporary and ultimately unreliable measures of value. Charm can deceive by presenting a pleasing but shallow exterior, and beauty is fleeting, inevitably diminishing with time. In sharp contrast, the verse proclaims that genuine commendation and lasting worth belong to a woman whose life is characterized by a deep, reverent fear of the Lord. This spiritual devotion is the true source of all excellent qualities and the enduring foundation for a life worthy of praise.

Proverbs 31 30 Context

Proverbs chapter 31 consists of the words of King Lemuel, given to him by his mother. Verses 1-9 offer instruction on righteous leadership. Verses 10-31 then present a comprehensive acrostic poem (each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) celebrating the "excellent wife" or "virtuous woman" (Hebrew: ʾeshet chayil). This extended portrayal details her diligent work ethic, financial acumen, wisdom in speech, care for her household, compassion for the poor, and strength of character. Within this detailed depiction, verse 30 stands as the pinnacle and foundational truth for her praiseworthiness. It shifts the focus from her external actions and successes, no matter how admirable, to the internal spiritual disposition—the fear of the Lord—as the ultimate measure of her worth. Historically, societies often placed high value on a woman's appearance and fertility; this verse radically challenges such superficial standards, providing a divinely revealed criterion for true merit that transcends culture and time. It directly opposes the common tendency to evaluate individuals solely on transient, physical attributes.

Proverbs 31 30 Word analysis

• Charm: Hebrew: ḥēn (חֵן). This term signifies grace, favor, or attractiveness. While often positive (e.g., God's grace, finding favor), here it is presented as a superficial, external quality that can be misleading when it becomes the primary basis for judgment.
• is deceptive: Hebrew: sheqer (שֶׁקֶר). Literally meaning a lie, falsehood, or emptiness. It implies something fundamentally unreliable, a delusion or illusion. Charm, when seen as the essence of a person's worth, proves to be untrustworthy and will ultimately fail to deliver true value or lasting satisfaction.
• and beauty: Hebrew: yōfî (יֹפִי). Refers to physical beauty, comeliness, or aesthetic attractiveness. It speaks of the visual appeal.
• is fleeting: Hebrew: hevel (הֶבֶל). This word is famously used throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless." It signifies breath, vapor, something unsubstantial, temporary, and ultimately without enduring significance. Beauty, like a puff of smoke, quickly fades away and provides no lasting foundation for praise or self-worth.
• but: This strong conjunction (Hebrew: kî) introduces a stark contrast, emphatically shifting the focus from the ephemeral and unreliable to the permanent and truly valuable.
• a woman who fears: Hebrew: ʾishah yirʾat (אִשָּׁה יִרְאַת).
  • ʾishah (אִשָּׁה): Woman or wife. While in context referring to the ideal wife, the principle applies to any woman.
  • yirʾat (יִרְאַת): From the root yārēʾ (יָרֵא), meaning "to fear, reverence, stand in awe." This "fear" is not terror but profound respect, devotion, and submission to God, leading to obedience and walking in His ways. It is the beginning and essence of wisdom in biblical thought.
• the Lord: Hebrew: Yahweh (יְהוָה). The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal and relational aspect as the ultimate object of worship and reverence. This relationship forms the core of true spiritual character.
• is to be praised: Hebrew: tehallel (תְּהַלֵּל). Literally, "she shall be praised." This is a definitive declaration. While human praise often seeks external qualities, this verse grounds true praise in an inner, God-centered orientation. This praise is enduring, springing from actions aligned with God's character and ultimately coming from God, her family, and the community.

Proverbs 31 30 Bonus section

• Maternal Instruction: The entire passage (Prov 31:1-31) is framed as the teaching of King Lemuel's mother, highlighting the crucial role of parental, particularly maternal, instruction in imparting divine wisdom to the next generation, especially regarding character formation.
• Wisdom's Culmination: Proverbs 31 functions as a practical outworking of the "fear of the Lord" found throughout the book, particularly resonating with Lady Wisdom described in earlier chapters. The virtuous woman embodies the wisdom that calls to humanity, demonstrating how a life rooted in God-reverence looks in practical terms.
• Gender Neutral Principle: While specifically applied to a woman, the core principle—that inner character and reverence for God surpass external attributes—is a universal truth applicable to all people, regardless of gender. True praise always stems from a heart rightly aligned with God.
• Not a Dismissal of Beauty: This verse does not condemn beauty or charm entirely but rather cautions against their being the primary basis for value or commendation. When God-fearing character is central, other attributes can find their proper, subordinate place.

Proverbs 31 30 Commentary

Proverbs 31:30 serves as the theological linchpin of the entire virtuous woman poem. While the preceding verses meticulously describe her practical excellences—her diligence, wise management, strength, generosity, and thoughtful speech—this verse reveals the animating principle behind all her commendable traits: her fear of the Lord. Her outward actions are but an outflow of her inward reverence and devotion to God. Without this foundational fear, all external charm and beauty are superficial, deceptive, and fleeting, offering no lasting satisfaction or true value. Therefore, this verse elevates spiritual character above all transient physical attributes and worldly accomplishments, establishing the ultimate divine standard for judging genuine worth. It shifts the focus from what a woman looks like or what she does outwardly, to who she is in relation to God. This perspective calls for a profound reorientation of values, encouraging individuals to cultivate inner piety and devotion, which alone yield lasting praise and genuine substance.