King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Charm can lie, beauty can vanish, but a woman who fears ADONAI should be praised.
Berean Standard Bible:
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
American Standard Version:
Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; Buta woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Favour{H2580} is deceitful{H8267}, and beauty{H3308} is vain{H1892}: but a woman{H802} that feareth{H3373} the LORD{H3068}, she shall be praised{H1984}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Peter 3:4
- But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:5
- For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Proverbs 1:7
- ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 11:22
- ¶ [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion.
Proverbs 8:13
- The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
1 Peter 1:24
- ¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1 Corinthians 4:5
- Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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Commentary for Proverbs 31:30
Proverbs 31:30 is part of a larger poem known as the "Virtuous Woman" or "Eshet Chayil" in Hebrew, which concludes the book of Proverbs. This verse encapsulates the theme of the entire chapter, which is a reflection on the qualities and value of a capable, wise, and God-fearing woman. The historical context of this verse is rooted in ancient Israelite society, where a woman's worth was often measured by her physical appearance and her ability to contribute to the household.
The verse itself contrasts the transient nature of favor (charisma or popularity) and beauty with the enduring value of a woman who reveres the Lord. "Favour" here can be understood as the fleeting admiration or charm that can win people's approval, while "beauty" refers to physical attractiveness. The verse suggests that these attributes are superficial and can be misleading or disappointing because they are temporary and subject to change.
In contrast, the woman who fears the Lord—meaning she holds a deep reverence for God and lives according to His commandments—is the one who will receive true praise. This fear of the Lord is not about terror but awe and respect that leads to a life of wisdom and righteousness. The verse emphasizes that such a woman's character and spiritual integrity are of greater worth than external qualities, and they will ultimately lead to her being honored and remembered.
In summary, Proverbs 31:30 teaches that while charm and beauty are appealing, they are not reliable measures of a person's true value. Instead, a life lived in devotion to God, marked by wisdom, integrity, and hard work, is what truly deserves recognition and commendation. This message resonates across time, challenging societal norms that often prioritize superficial traits over character and faith.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2580
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵן
Transliteration: chên
Pronunciation: khane
Description: from חָנַן; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. - Strong's Number: H8267
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
Transliteration: sheqer
Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. - Strong's Number: H3308
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יֳפִי
Transliteration: yŏphîy
Pronunciation: yof-ee'
Description: from יָפָה; beauty; beauty. - Strong's Number: H1892
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הֶבֶל
Transliteration: hebel
Pronunciation: heh'bel
Description: or (rarely in the abs.) הֲבֵל; from הָבַל; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb; [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. - Strong's Number: H802
There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִשָּׁה
Transliteration: ʼishshâh
Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. - Strong's Number: H3373
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָרֵא
Transliteration: yârêʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
Description: from יָרֵא; fearing; morally, reverent; afraid, fear (-ful). - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H1984
There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָלַל
Transliteration: hâlal
Pronunciation: haw-lal'
Description: a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine.