Mom and I are reading a phenomenal book right now by
Martha Peace, called
"Damsels in Distress." We recently read a chapter titled, "Who Is the Fairest of Them All?" This chapter talks about inner beauty, outer beauty, and a topic not too often discussed - vanity. She first takes a look at what vanity is:
"Vanity is something that is 'empty, futile, vain, or worthless. Vanity (in the sense of the love of beauty) is an inflated pride in one's appearance.' It is a universal problem, but it especially plagues women. The Jewish women during Isaiah's time offer a vivid example of vain women. They were living examples of how decadent their society had become."
After this she counteracted that with Scripture's emphasis on true beauty.
"The New Testament describes the adornment of a truly beautiful woman as one who is adorned with modest and discrete clothing, good works, and a "gentle and quiet spirit." (1 Peter 3:3-4) First a woman's clothing is to be modest and discrete. ... A woman who loves the Lord will have a heart to be modest with her dress in order to not cause men to be tempted to lust. A second emphasis for a woman who claims to be godly is that her beauty is to be seen in her good works. ... The third biblical emphasis for true beauty in a woman is that she should have a gentle and quiet spirit. That does not mean that she whispers when she talks. It does mean that she is not given to anger or fear, and that she accepts God's dealing with her as good."
Martha Peace next goes on to look at the biblical view of a vain woman:
- "She is not grateful. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
- She is not content. (1 Tim. 6:6)
- She thinks too highly of herself. (Rom. 12:3)
- She has a lust for beauty. (James 1:14-15)
- She is not motivated by love for God or others, but by the love of self and others' approval. (1 John 2:15-17)"
Finally she looks at Scriptural warnings regarding vanity.
- "Beauty is vain. It is a depressing pursuit, ultimately hopeless and empty. (Proverbs 31:30)
- Beauty is one of the ways the adulteress draws her prey. (Prov. 6:24-25) ...
- Satan's heart was lifted up because of his beauty. (Ezek. 28:14-15, 17)
- Outward beauty without inner beauty is a monstrosity. (Prov. 11:22)"
