Proverbs 31:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:30 delivers a profound and timeless declaration about the nature of true worth and lasting praise, starkly contrasting the fleeting allure of external appearances with the enduring value of internal character rooted in spiritual devotion. This verse serves as the powerful culmination of the acrostic poem describing the "excellent wife," shifting the focus from superficial charm and physical beauty, which are inherently transient and deceptive, to the profound and eternal commendation bestowed upon a woman whose life is defined by a reverential fear of the LORD. It champions an inner disposition of wisdom and piety as the ultimate source of honor and commendation, both from God and from those who truly discern value.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:30 stands as the concluding statement to the extended acrostic poem (Proverbs 31:10-31) that describes the "virtuous woman" or "excellent wife" (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, _ʼeshet chayil_). This poem is a masterful literary device, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, systematically building a comprehensive portrait of an ideal woman. The preceding verses detail her diligence in managing her household, her business acumen, her care for the poor, her strength, wisdom, and the respect she garners from her family and community. Verse 30, therefore, does not introduce new qualities but rather distills the essence of all the described virtues, identifying the ultimate source and foundation of her excellence: her relationship with God. It functions as the interpretative key to understanding the true nature of the "praise" mentioned in the following verse, [Proverbs 31:31](/proverbs/31-31 "Proverbs 31:31 - Give her of the fruit of her hands").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a woman's value was often tied to her physical appearance, her ability to bear children, and her social status within a patriarchal society. While these aspects were certainly present in Israelite society, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, consistently elevates moral and spiritual qualities above superficial ones. The book of Proverbs, generally attributed to Solomon, though with later additions, reflects a societal emphasis on practical wisdom for daily living, often presented as a path to a flourishing life. This verse challenges prevailing cultural norms by asserting that true and lasting commendation is not derived from what is outwardly pleasing or socially advantageous, but from a deeply ingrained reverence for the divine. This perspective would have been counter-cultural, even within Israel, where external displays of piety could sometimes overshadow genuine heart-devotion, as cautioned in passages like [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. True Worship").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **transience of worldly things** versus the **eternality of spiritual values**. "Favour" and "beauty" are explicitly labeled as "deceitful" and "vain," echoing the pervasive theme of "vanity" (_hebel_) found in [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - All is Vanity"), which speaks to the futility of pursuits not centered on God. Secondly, it underscores the **primacy of the fear of the LORD** as the beginning and foundation of all true wisdom and knowledge, a concept introduced early in the book in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). This "fear" is not terror but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's will, which translates into a life of integrity, moral excellence, and righteous living. Lastly, it emphasizes **true praise and lasting legacy**, asserting that genuine commendation comes not from human accolades based on superficial qualities, but from a life lived in accordance with God's principles, ultimately leading to divine approval and enduring honor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From H2580, this term denotes graciousness, kindness, or subjective/objective beauty. In this context, it refers to charm, attractiveness, or the pleasing quality one might possess. The verse declares this "favour" to be "deceitful," implying that such outward charm can be misleading, superficial, or used to manipulate, failing to reveal the true character of a person. It suggests that reliance on mere charm is a false foundation for true worth.
* **vain (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1892, this word signifies emptiness, vanity, or something transitory and unsatisfactory. It is famously used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting and ultimately futile nature of worldly pursuits. Here, applied to "beauty," it underscores that physical attractiveness is temporary, fades with time, and ultimately lacks substantive, eternal value. It is like a breath or vapor—here for a moment, then gone.
* **feareth (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3373, this word means fearing, and morally, reverent. It describes a deep, reverential awe, respect, and obedience toward God, rather than a cowering terror. This "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented in Proverbs as the foundational principle of wisdom, leading to a life of moral integrity, righteous conduct, and profound spiritual understanding. It is the antithesis of superficiality, representing a genuine, internal disposition of the heart toward God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Favour [is] deceitful,"**: This clause immediately establishes a critical contrast. "Favour" (charm, grace, attractiveness) is declared to be "deceitful" (_sheqer_). This does not mean charm is inherently evil, but that it can be a façade, a false front that does not reflect true character or value. It can mislead observers and even the person possessing it, creating an illusion of worth that is not grounded in substance.
* **"and beauty [is] vain:"**: Following the first statement, this clause reinforces the theme of transience and emptiness. "Beauty" (_yŏphîy_, physical attractiveness) is "vain" (_hebel_). It is fleeting, temporary, and ultimately lacks ultimate significance. It fades with age, illness, or simply the passage of time, and cannot provide lasting satisfaction or true commendation. This sets up the sharp distinction with the enduring quality that follows.
* **"[but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD,"**: This is the pivotal turning point of the verse, introduced by the strong adversative "but." It shifts the focus from external, fleeting qualities to an internal, spiritual disposition. The "fear of the LORD" (_yârêʼ Yᵉhôvâh_) is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God. This fear is the source of true wisdom and righteous living, shaping one's character, actions, and priorities. It is an enduring, spiritual quality that transcends physical and social attributes.
* **"she shall be praised."**: This final clause states the ultimate outcome and commendation. Unlike the deceitful favor and vain beauty, the woman who fears the LORD will receive lasting "praise" (_hâlal_). This praise is not superficial or temporary; it is a deep, genuine commendation that reflects her true worth, both from her community and, more importantly, from God Himself. It is the just reward for a life lived in piety and wisdom, demonstrating that true honor is rooted in spiritual integrity rather than outward appearance.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:30 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Antithetical Parallelism**. The first two clauses ("Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain") stand in stark contrast to the third clause ("but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised"). This structure highlights the central message by juxtaposing two opposing ideas: the ephemeral and deceptive nature of outward appearances versus the enduring and praiseworthy quality of reverence for God. The use of the strong adversative "but" (כִּי, _kî_) emphasizes this dramatic shift. Furthermore, the verse employs **Metonymy** where "favour" and "beauty" stand for the superficial qualities often admired by the world, while "fear of the LORD" stands for a life of deep spiritual devotion and wisdom. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in describing beauty as "vain," underscoring its ultimate lack of substance when compared to spiritual depth. The verse's position as the climax of an **Acrostic Poem** (Proverbs 31:10-31) further emphasizes its significance, acting as the interpretive key for the entire description of the "excellent wife."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:30 articulates a fundamental theological truth: true value and lasting honor are not found in transient external attributes but in an enduring, internal relationship with God. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance, and that genuine wisdom begins with reverence for Him. It challenges a human tendency to prioritize superficiality, calling believers to cultivate a character shaped by divine principles, which alone yields eternal praise and a life of true significance. The verse reminds us that while the world may commend what is fleeting, God commends what is eternal and rooted in His nature.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - The Unfading Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly obsessed with image, social media validation, and fleeting trends, Proverbs 31:30 serves as a powerful and counter-cultural anchor. It calls us to critically examine where we place our value and what we truly praise. Are we investing in what is "deceitful" and "vain"—outward appearances, temporary popularity, material possessions—or in the enduring character forged by a deep, reverential fear of the LORD? This verse challenges us to cultivate an inner life of integrity, humility, and devotion, recognizing that these are the qualities that truly matter in God's eyes and yield lasting commendation. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual formation over external adornment, to seek God's approval above human applause, and to model a life that reflects His values, knowing that such a life will ultimately be praised, not just by others, but by the Creator Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "favour" or "beauty" be "deceitful" or "vain" in our contemporary culture?**
* **How does the "fear of the LORD" translate into practical daily living for you?**
* **What are some specific ways you can prioritize cultivating inner character over outward appearance or worldly success?**
* **How does this verse challenge your personal definition of what is truly praiseworthy?**

### FAQ

**What does "favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that outward charm (favour) and physical attractiveness (beauty) are ultimately unreliable indicators of a person's true worth or character. "Deceitful" (Hebrew: _sheqer_) implies that charm can be misleading or used to manipulate, creating a false impression. "Vain" (Hebrew: _hebel_) signifies that beauty is fleeting, temporary, and ultimately lacks substance or lasting significance, much like a breath or vapor. The verse is not condemning beauty outright, but rather warning against placing ultimate value or trust in it, as it is transient and can obscure genuine character. This sentiment is echoed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), where God reminds us that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

**What is meant by "a woman that feareth the LORD"? Is it about being afraid of God?**

Answer: The "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ Yᵉhôvâh_) in biblical wisdom literature does not mean cowering in terror or dread. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God. It is a recognition of His holiness, sovereignty, and justice, leading to a desire to live in accordance with His will. This "fear" is the foundation of true wisdom and knowledge, as stated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). For a woman (or any person) to "fear the LORD" means that her life is characterized by devotion, integrity, and obedience to God's commands, shaping her character and actions from the inside out.

**How does this verse apply to men, given it speaks of a "woman"?**

Answer: While Proverbs 31:30 specifically refers to a "woman," the underlying principle is universal and applies to all people, regardless of gender. The wisdom literature often uses specific examples to illustrate broader truths. The contrast between superficiality and spiritual depth, and the supreme value of reverencing God, is a core biblical teaching for everyone. Just as a woman's true worth is not in her external appearance but in her devotion to God, so too a man's true worth is not in his strength, wealth, or status, but in his fear of the LORD. The call to prioritize inner character and spiritual integrity over outward show is a timeless message for all humanity, as seen in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse commends the woman who fears the LORD, pointing to the enduring value of inner piety, Christ Himself perfectly embodies this "fear" in His absolute reverence and obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate example of one whose worth was not found in external "favour" or "beauty"—indeed, [Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - He Had No Beauty That We Should Desire Him") describes Him as having "no beauty that we should desire Him"—but in His perfect, unwavering devotion to God's will. In Christ, the deceitfulness of worldly charm and the vanity of fleeting beauty are exposed as utterly insignificant compared to the eternal glory of a life lived in perfect submission to God. Moreover, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ enables us to truly "fear the LORD" not out of terror, but out of a spirit of adoption and love ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). He transforms our hearts, empowering us to live lives that genuinely reflect His character, leading to a praise that is not temporary or human-derived, but eternal and divine. The praise promised in Proverbs 31:30 is ultimately realized in the commendation of those who are found in Christ, whose righteousness is not their own, but His ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.