The Bible has a lot to say about beauty, both inner and outer. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on beauty:
God is the source of all beauty
As the Creator of the universe, God is the ultimate source of all beauty (Genesis 1:31). Everything God makes reflects His glory and splendor (Psalm 19:1). True beauty originates from God and is a reflection of His divine nature.
Outer beauty is fleeting
The Bible warns that physical or outer beauty is fleeting and does not last (Proverbs 31:30). Charm can be deceptive, and beauty fades with age (Proverbs 31:30). While physical beauty is appealing, the Bible cautions against placing too much value on outward appearance. inner beauty has far more lasting value.
Focus on inner beauty
Rather than obsessing over external beauty, the Bible encourages developing inner godly virtues and character qualities (1 Peter 3:3-4). A gentle and quiet spirit has great worth in God’s sight. Inner qualities like righteousness, wisdom, discretion and purity are valued far above outward adornment (Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:25-26).
True beauty reflects God’s glory
While the world focuses on superficial external beauty, the Bible teaches that true beauty reflects the glory of God. When we revere God, worship Him and grow in Christlike character, we radiate the Lord’s beauty (Psalm 96:6, Isaiah 61:3). As we behold God’s glory, we are transformed to reflect His splendid beauty more and more (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Jesus Christ is the radiance of God’s glory
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus fully reveals God’s beauty and splendor (2 Corinthians 4:4, Hebrews 1:3). As the perfect God-man, Jesus displays divine beauty in human form. His life perfectly reflected the beauty of God in word, deed and character.
Our identity is found in Christ
While the world says identity is based on external beauty or appearance, the Bible says our true identity is found in Jesus Christ. When we trust in Christ, we become children of God covered by Jesus’ righteousness and beauty (Galatians 3:26-27, Isaiah 61:10). Outward beauty pales in comparison to the inner beauty of Christ in us.
Beauty is about glorifying God
The main purpose of beauty is to glorify God, not self (1 Corinthians 10:31). We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, pleasing to God. Beauty reaches its fullest potential when it points people to see and praise the beauty of Jesus Christ.
Cultivate inner beauty
Rather than obsess over outward adornment, the Bible calls us to cultivate Christlike inner beauty – a gentle and quiet spirit, purity, righteousness, modesty and good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:1-6). As we pursue godly virtues and the fruit of the Spirit, we grow in inner beauty (Galatians 5:22-23).
God values modesty and a gentle spirit
While flaunting our beauty tends to fuel vanity, the Bible encourages modesty and humility (1 Timothy 2:9). A gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:4). Rather than flashy external beauty, God values modest, inner beauty.
Charm is deceptive, beauty is fleeting
The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns that charm is deceptive and physical beauty does not last (Proverbs 31:30). Outward beauty fades with age. While the world highlights external beauty, the Bible cautions against placing too much value on fleeting appearances.
God looks at the heart
Unlike human beings who look at outward appearances, God looks at the heart and character (1 Samuel 16:7). People judge by outward beauty but the Lord examines motives and intents. A beautiful heart full of God’s love is precious to the Lord.
True beauty is comprehensive
While the world focuses only on external beauty, the Bible describes true beauty more comprehensively. True beauty means cultivating Christlike character, pursuing modesty and righteousness, and living to glorify God in all we do. True beauty flows from a heart transformed by Jesus.
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit
Since believers’ bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we ought to honor God with our bodies by pursuing purity and fleeing sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Honoring God with our physical bodies is an aspect of living out true inner and outer beauty in a corrupt world.
Jesus washed His disciples feet
In a striking act of modest humility, Jesus washed His disciples feet to model servant leadership (John 13:1-17). Rather than asserting His rights as Lord and Master, Jesus demonstrated unexpected modesty and beauty in servanthood. Washing His followers’ feet displayed true Christlike beauty.
Take care of your body
While external beauty is fleeting, the Bible encourages taking care of our bodies since they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We can honor God through our physical bodies by keeping ourselves healthy, pure and set apart for His purposes.
Beauty does not equal godliness
Some outwardly beautiful people may not have inner godly character. Scripture warns against those who appear beautiful outwardly but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27). External beauty does not always reflect the beauty of Christlike character.
God desires truth in the inner self
More than external beauty, God desires truth and sincerity of heart (Psalm 51:6). The inner self is where we commune with God, and He wants us to have integrity and truth in our inner being. True beauty is not just outward but inward.
Jesus loves and values all people
Unlike human preference for certain appearances, Jesus values all people equally. Jesus reached out to and embraced those society rejected like lepers (Luke 17:11-19). His love and redemption extend to all, regardless of external appearance or attractiveness.
Be transformed by God’s beauty
As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Gazing on God’s splendor changes us from the inside out to radiate the beauty of Jesus Christ. True biblical beauty means being transformed by Jesus.
The Proverbs 31 woman
The Proverbs 31 woman is praised as an example of true beauty. She is valued for godly character, wisdom, hard work and competence – not merely physical appearance. Her inner strength and dignity from the Lord defined true beauty (Proverbs 31:25-26).
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility
Rather than an emphasis on external adornment, Scripture calls us to clothe ourselves with Christlike virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). Pursuing the fruit of the Spirit decorates us with true inner beauty.
Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace
The Bible teaches that beauty is about pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace – God’s values rather than the world’s fixations (2 Timothy 2:22). Inner qualities like righteousness and purity are aspects of the beauty that honors and pleases the Lord.
A godly wife is a crown to her husband
A wife with inner strength, wisdom and godly character is a crowning beauty to her husband (Proverbs 12:4). Her Christlike character nurtures her family and brings honor rather than focusing purely on decorating herself with costly external adornment.
God rejoices over us with singing
In a beautiful picture of God’s delight in His people, Scripture says the Lord rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God celebrates our beauty found in Christ with great joy.
The Messiah had no beauty that we should desire Him
In a prophecy about Jesus’ coming, Isaiah 53:2 says the Messiah had no outward beauty that people should desire Him. Jesus gave up the glories of heaven for the humility of taking on human flesh. His beauty was inner spiritual beauty.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment
The New Testament teaches women specifically that true beauty is not derived from elaborate outward adornment like braided hair or gold jewelry (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3). True beauty flows from a gentle and quiet spirit devoted to God.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting
Again, Proverbs 31 repeats that charm can be misleading and beauty quickly fades away. While charm and physical beauty may capture attention, pursuing virtuous inner beauty has lasting value rather than emphasizing superficial external appearance.
Jesus touched lepers
Contrary to human revulsion at skin diseases, Jesus demonstrated true beauty by reaching out and touching lepers to heal them (Luke 5:13). His compassion for outcasts showed beauty is valuing all people, not flaunting perfect appearances.
Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ
Since our thought lives impact our actions and character, the Bible instructs us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5). Renewing our thinking patterns is key to cultivating inner beauty that honors Christ.
Fix your eyes on Jesus
Rather than obsessing over outward appearances, Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to fix our eyes on Jesus. As we worship and gaze at Jesus, beholding His glory transforms us into His likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
A gentle answer turns away wrath
More than mere outward beauty, a gentle answer demonstrates true inner beauty by promoting peace and defusing anger (Proverbs 15:1). Gentleness, humility and patience radiate the attractiveness of Christworking within us.
Let your adorning be the inner person of the heart
1 Peter 3:3-4 explains true beauty flows from the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. As we adorn ourselves with righteousness, purity, modesty and good works, we cultivate inner beauty that honors God.
Man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart
The Bible emphasizes that while people judge by outward beauty, the Lord examines the inner heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Those who worship God in spirit and in truth have beauty that stems from a transformed heart, not mere outward looks.
True beauty fears the Lord
According to Proverbs 31, the woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Reverence for God is the essence of wisdom and the prerequisite for true beauty. A heart humbled before God radiates the beauty only found through walking with Jesus.
Your beauty should be that of your inner self
Rather than showy external adornments, 1 Peter 3:4 teaches us to focus on cultivating the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. As we nurture godly virtues and fruit of the Spirit, we grow in inner beauty that truly honors God.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible has much to say about true beauty. While the world is fixated on superficial external beauty, God defines beauty much more comprehensively. True beauty flows from a heart transformed by Jesus to radiate His glory in our character, thoughts, and actions. As we fix our eyes on Christ, His beauty shapes us from the inside out. The beauty God desires for His children is an all-encompassing Christlike beauty extending from our inner spirit to outward lives lived for His glory.
