Something Beautiful

Some will see the beauty of the snow; others, a clean, safe sidewalk. The saying is true: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

We understand Samson, David and Xerxes (Esther’s king). They were men who desired and married beautiful women. But why mention that Sarah, Rebekah, Rachael, Abigail and other women were beautiful? Why make special note that baby Moses was beautiful, or King David?

At the very least, God is not blind. He actually understands something about the physical beauty of humans. Physical beauty is perfectly fine. No one should feel ashamed or be shamed by others for being physically beautiful.

God even acknowledged that men are attracted to women on the basis of physical beauty. In the Law of Moses, strict laws governed men who took beautiful women as wives from among the captives after a battle. (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)

As you might also expect, there are many warnings in Scripture about physical beauty. You should remember Peter’s instruction for women to pursue inner beauty, not bling (1 Peter 3:3-6). Unlike humans, God is super unimpressed with jewelry, cosmetics and fashion.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 

—Proverbs 31:30

Solomon warned his son not to chase the “evil woman.” The Hebrew word evil in Proverbs 6:24 is literally foreign or strange. That means that she is off limits to the man. She is beautiful and can turn on the charm, but she’s an adulteress. She lures men in, then destroys them. A fool chases beauty.

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
—Proverbs 11:22

How foolish it is for a man or woman to trust in fading beauty, or so the flowers tell us.

Think about these other beauties in Scripture:

• The priestly garments for Aaron were “for glory and for beauty.” (Exodus 28:2)
• Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon was called “the beauty of kingdoms.” (Isaiah 13:19)
• Israel was called the “Beautiful Land” several times in the book of Daniel.
• Referring to the remaining faithful ones of Israel, Isaiah described the “Branch of the Lord” as beautiful. (Isaiah 4:2)
• Isaiah also told of a future King (Messiah) who would possess beauty. (Isaiah 33:17)

One other beauty stands out. Yet, our beauty-intoxicated society would surely be surprised.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!
—Romans 10:15

Paul wasn’t referring to just any good news. He was quoting the prophet Isaiah about those who would announce salvation (peace with God), those who would share the gospel. That’s why their feet are beautiful. They carry the message of life. You too can carry the message of life by telling someone about Jesus.

(And parents, don’t forget your kids.)

Mark Stinnett

February 14, 2021