======================================================================== PROVERBS 31:30 by Chuck Smith ======================================================================== Summary: A woman's true beauty and worth come from a sweet love of Jesus, not from seeking praise or favor from others. Topics: "True Beauty", "Inner Worth" Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:7, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 31:30, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Galatians 1:10, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chuck Smith emphasizes the concept of true beauty in women, highlighting that while praise and approval are deeply desired, they should not be sought from the fleeting favor of the crowd or superficial beauty. He explains that true fulfillment comes from a life that fears the Lord, as this inner beauty is what truly attracts and earns genuine praise. Smith warns against the emptiness of seeking validation through external appearances and societal approval, encouraging women to focus on their relationship with God as the source of their worth and beauty. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "THE TRUE BEAUTY" I. "SHE SHALL BE PRAISED." A. Every woman desires praise. 1. She constantly seeks her husband's approval. a. "Her desire shall be to her husband." b. How do I look. c. Do you like my new hair style? d. How do you like the casserole? 2. Men as a rule derive their satisfaction from their work. a. Rewarded by their accomplishments. 3. So much of the wife's labor is mundane and redundant. a. Cleaning house can get to be a drag. b. No end to dirty clothes. c. The same thing over and over. d. The fulfillment comes not in the work, but in the recognition and praise for the work. B. Every woman needs praise. 1. I wish I could remember this. II. "FAVOR IS DECEITFUL." A. Some strive for the favor of the crowd. 1. Their whole effort toward excelling to receive the crowds applause. 2. The rigid discipline of the athlete. 3. Some ladies to gain favor are volunteers. a. They will bake the cookies. b. The will pick up the kids. c. They will serve on the committee. B. Favor is deceitful because: 1. It is so short-lived. a. Today you may have excelled and gained the crowd's favor. b. Tomorrow you are forgotten as they find new heroes. 2. It doesn't truly satisfy. a. You often begin to resent. III. BEAUTY IS VAIN. A. Some seek praise for their beauty. 1. Their whole life centered around making themselves beautiful. B. Totally self-centered life. 1. When your life revolves around your ego, you become lonely and empty. C. Some day you discover the truth to the old Swedish proverb. "God looks don't last. "Good cooking does." 1. The grass withers, the flowers fade, and surface beauty wrinkles. D. The true beauty is not in the outer adorning of your body. 1. A woman should always dress according to truth. 2. i.e., When a man looks at you he doesn't misunderstand what you are. IV. "BUT A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED." A. Nothing more attractive than a sweet love of Jesus emerging forth from your life. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/proverbs-3130/ ========================================================================