In the biblical context, the concept of "beauties" encompasses both physical attractiveness and the inner beauty of character and spirit. The Bible provides numerous references to beauty, often highlighting its transient nature and the greater importance of inner virtues.

Physical Beauty

Physical beauty is acknowledged in the Bible, with several individuals noted for their attractiveness. For instance, Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is described as beautiful in appearance (Genesis 12:11). Similarly, Rachel, whom Jacob loved, is noted for her beauty: "Now Rachel was shapely and beautiful" (Genesis 29:17). Esther, who became queen, is another example of a woman whose physical beauty is highlighted: "The young woman was lovely in form and appearance" (Esther 2:7).

However, the Bible also warns against placing undue emphasis on physical beauty. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" . This verse underscores the temporary nature of physical beauty and elevates the value of reverence for God.

Inner Beauty

The Scriptures place a significant emphasis on inner beauty, which is characterized by virtues such as humility, kindness, and a gentle spirit. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight" . This passage highlights the enduring nature of inner beauty and its importance in the eyes of God.

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 also reflect the beauty of character that is blessed by God. Qualities such as meekness, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking are extolled, illustrating the beauty of a life lived in accordance with God's will.

The Beauty of Holiness

The Bible frequently associates beauty with holiness and the glory of God. Psalm 29:2 calls believers to "worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" . This phrase suggests that true beauty is found in a life dedicated to God and His purposes. The beauty of holiness is further exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who embodied perfect holiness and love.

Creation's Beauty

The beauty of creation is another theme in the Bible, reflecting God's creative power and majesty. In Genesis 1, the repeated declaration that creation was "good" implies a recognition of its inherent beauty. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" , indicating that the natural world is a testament to God's beautiful handiwork.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges physical beauty, it consistently emphasizes the superiority of inner beauty and holiness. True beauty, according to Scripture, is found in a life that reflects God's character and glory.

The Beauties of Creation.
... 173. " The Beauties of Creation. 173. ... Montgomery's Coll. The Beauties of Creation.
1 Ours is a lovely world, how fair Thy beauties e'en on earth appear! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/173 the beauties of.htm

In one Soul we May be Entertained and Taken up with Innumerable ...
... THE SECOND CENTURY 70 In one soul we may be entertained and taken up with
innumerable beauties. In one soul we may be entertained ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/70 in one soul we.htm

These Things I Then Knew Not, and I Loved These Lower Beauties...
... Book IV Chapter XIII These things I then knew not, and I loved these lower
beauties? These things I then knew not, and I loved ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xiii these things i.htm

Lessons from Nature
... the expressions of a godly person, who, in sailing down one of the most famous rivers
in the world, closed his eyes, lest the picturesque beauties of the scene ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

"Above the Sun. "
... ours. All night's golden constellations dimly shine as day draws on, And
the moon must veil her beauties at the rising of the sun. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jennings/old groans and new songs/above the sun.htm

A Willing People and an Immutable Leader
... "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness
from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.""Psalm 110:3. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/a willing people and an.htm

Letter xv. --To Adelphius the Lawyer .
... Straight before us in the way were the beauties of the house, where one
part is marked out from another by some delicate invention. ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xv to adelphius the lawyer.htm

A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... necks. They looked on God, and, because they saw His exalted beauties,. ... faith,.
Who shall suffice thee, to recount thy beauties divine? Lo! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/a homily on guria and.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... The whole creation is fair and beautiful even in its present condition. I have no
sort of sympathy with those who cannot enjoy the beauties of nature. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Why I Believe the Old Book
... It ever reveals new depths that we fail to fathom, new heights that we
can not scale, and new beauties that enrapture our vision. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk three why i believe.htm

Beauties (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Beauties (1 Occurrence). Psalms 110:3 Thy people
shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties...
/b/beauties.htm - 6k

Beauteous (15 Occurrences)

/b/beauteous.htm - 11k

Decorate (5 Occurrences)
... to adorn; to embellish; to beautify; as, to decorate the person; to decorate a lawn
with flowers; to decorate the mind with moral beauties; to decorate a hero ...
/d/decorate.htm - 8k

Beautification (1 Occurrence)

/b/beautification.htm - 6k

Blooming (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (a.) Opening in blossoms; flowering. 4. (a.) Thriving in health, beauty, and
vigor; indicating the freshness and beauties of youth or health. ...
/b/blooming.htm - 7k

Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A particular grace, feature, ornament, or excellence; anything beautiful;
as, the beauties of nature. 3. (n.) A beautiful person, esp. ...
/b/beauty.htm - 45k

Criticism (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The rules and principles which regulate the practice of the critic; the
art of judging with knowledge and propriety of the beauties and faults of a ...
/c/criticism.htm - 101k

Scarcity (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Rareness; deficiency; lack of plenty; short supply;
penury; as, a scarcity of grain; a great scarcity of beauties. ...
/s/scarcity.htm - 7k

Holiness (76 Occurrences)
... Psalms 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties
of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. ...
/h/holiness.htm - 42k

Beauties: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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