Misconception
Sometimes people look at the scripture in 1 Peter 3 and automatically assume that a biblical wife has to look plain, worn, and boring. But what the scripture is saying is that a woman needs to be more than physical appearance. If that's all you have to offer then you really have nothing to offer, because outward beauty fades. Internal beauty lasts forever.
"Your adornment must not be merely external-braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:3-4 NASB)
Inner Beauty Wins
The virtuous woman knows that the inner appearance is more important than the outward appearance, because how her heart looks is precious to God! Beauty can give you immediate results, like a free meal, a baby, a job, a man for a night! But at the end of the day beauty doesn't raise any kids, beauty doesn't satisfy a man long term, beauty doesn't keep the job, beauty can't do anything of lasting value, and most importantly beauty can't get you into heaven.
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)
Side Note:
Ladies stop going after men that have no sustenance! They may be tall, dark, and handsome, but have nothing going on the inside. You are trying to accept him and God has rejected him.
Dress To Impress
Now with all that being said, there is nothing wrong with being beautiful and dressing nicely! As a matter of fact it is encouraged, as long as that's not all you have to offer. The virtuous woman dresses classy. She wears the nice, high quality, and even popular clothing. She takes a pride in looking good for her husband. She isn't going out the house with rollers on pajamas and house shoes. She doesn't look like who did it and nobody cares.
The scripture says, "she wears FINE linen." (Lol fine linen ain't cheap). Fine linen is a luxury. Purple was a color that only certain people could afford! Let's face it she's high fashion! All that hard work she's putting in and all the money she's making in the previous scriptures, allows her to be able to afford nice clothes. (SEE DAYS 4&5) And there is nothing wrong with it. She stays up late, wakes up early handling her business, and she likes to treat herself. Don't feel like you have to live a meager lifestyle (this is no where in the bible), but keep things in perspective. She works hard, she gives to the needy, and she keeps God first. God has blessed her and she is a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with, so she doesn't need to feel guilty for splurging. She can confidently dress to impress with a gorgeous personality to match!
Personal Message:
I used to struggle with feeling guilty for buying myself anything, even as a child! I would save up money for no reason. With my first $50 at 8 years old, I bought an amazing ally doll that I really wanted, but then I took it back to toys r us and got my money back. Sometimes, I would turn down things that my parents would offer to buy me. I felt that when people are less fortunate than I was, then I should not have things that were too expensive. But the bible doesn't say you can not enjoy nice things. Money is the root of all sorts of evil, not ALL evil. People get greedy, they start idolizing money, they start stepping on people to get more, they hoard it and don't share it with anyone. But when you die, you can't take it with you. Don't put your trust in riches, but instead in God. I loved God and was content, when I was trying to figure out how we were gonna pay our bills, and I love God now that I have finally started my career. The moral is to be content wherever, God has you and don't feel guilty for spending. I don't have to feel guilty, if I've done what God has asked me to do! In closing Share your money, give to those who are needy, don't close your hands when you see the needy coming. Give as God has given to you! Be thankful for each season and enjoy what God has blessed you with!
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