What does the Bible say about beauty?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God is the ultimate creator of beauty, declaring His creation as "pleasant to the sight" in Genesis 2:9 and finding delight in artistic expression (Ezekiel 33:32). While physical beauty exists, the Bible emphasizes that true beauty lies in a heart that fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30) and seeks His presence (Psalm 27:4). Outward beauty is temporary and perishable (James 1:11), but the imperishable beauty of a gentle spirit is precious in God's eyes (1 Peter 3:4). Acts of service, like the woman's devotion to Jesus (Matthew 26:10), reflect God's definition of beauty, coming from love and sacrifice. Ultimately, we should focus on nurturing inner beauty through our relationship with God, which reveals a lasting and true form of beauty.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• While some have a tendency to think of beauty as a man-made concept, God affirms in His word that He is the creator of beauty. Genesis 2:9 records that "the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food." God decided that trees would be "pleasant to the sight."
• In Jeremiah 3:19, God calls the Promised Land "a pleasant land, a heritage most beautiful of all nations." God sees beauty in His creation.
• Psalm 48:2 says that Mount Zion is "beautiful in elevation."
• It is not just beauty in creation that God affirms. He says Ezekiel will be like one who sings "songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument," yet people will not accept his message (Ezekiel 33:32). God considers music and artistic expression to be beautiful.
• David reminds us in Psalm 27:4 the loveliest and most praiseworthy thing upon which we can place our focus: "that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple." While we can enjoy beauty in creation and in artistic expression, the most beautiful and desirable pursuit for humans should be seeking God's presence.
• The book of Song of Solomon affirms that married couples should take pleasure in each other's beauty. In Song of Solomon 1:15, the man says, "Behold, you are beautiful, my love." To which the woman replies, "Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful" (Song of Solomon 1:16). The rest of the book outlines the pleasures they each take in one another's physical beauty and relational love toward one another.
• While outward physical beauty can be admired and appreciated, Proverbs 31:30 warns, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain." The verse ends with "but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." A person who knows and trusts the Lord will allow the Holy Spirit to work within him/her creating the fruit of salvation, which is beautiful.
• When God directed Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel from Jesse's sons, Samuel was taken with the appearance of Eliab. Apparently the man looked like a king to Samuel; he was "beautiful" in a cultural sense and outwardly appeared the part. "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7). The son God had chosen was the youngest; this was so unexpected that the boy didn't at first appear in front of Samuel with the others but was instead tending the sheep (1 Samuel 16:1–13). That boy was David, Israel's most cherished king to whom God promised an everlasting kingdom and through whose line Jesus Christ was born (2 Samuel 7:8–17). David is described as “ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome” (1 Samuel 16:12), but it was not ultimately David's physical beauty that made him remarkable. His heart for God set him apart (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:1, 18).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Matthew 26, a woman sacrifices an expensive ointment to anoint Jesus in preparation for His upcoming death and resurrection. Jesus declares her act of service and devotion as a "beautiful thing" she has done to Him (Matthew 26:10). God sees beauty in acts of service.
• God delights in beauty, and because we are made in His image, He delights when we take pleasure in beautiful things as well. In fact, Philippians 4:8 instructs us "whatever is lovely…if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
• James 1:11 affirms that "beauty perishes." As long as we live in a fallen world where our bodies age and decay, outward beauty will only be temporary.
• This fleeting nature of outward appearances is why Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:4: "let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
• The fruit of the Spirit makes a person more attractive to the people around him/her no matter his/her physical appearance (Galatians 5:22–23). The fruit of the Spirit calls attention to the beauty of God, a beauty that never fades and for which we can continually give Him praise.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Our pursuit should be a trusting relationship with the Lord that produces the fruit of the Spirit rather than pursuing temporary outward physical beauty. The inner beauty of a heart that knows and trusts the Lord is far greater than any outward beauty we might possess. The beauty of a heart that seeks after God will never fade; it is true and worthwhile beauty. At the same time, there is much physical beauty in our world. Whether we see a beautiful sight in nature, hear beautiful sounds in music, or see a beautiful act of love, it is right for us to appreciate that beauty and praise God for creating it. True beauty is a reflection of the character and nature of God, and thus it should cause us to pause in awe and worship of Him.

UNDERSTAND

• God created beauty, evident in creation.
• True beauty is defined by a heart that fears the Lord.
• Beauty can be seen in creation, in artistic expression, in service, and in character.

REFLECT

• How do you define beauty? How does your understanding align with the biblical perspective of inner versus outward beauty?
• How can you actively seek and appreciate beauty in things like God's creation, music, art, and acts of service?
• How can you cultivate inner beauty that reflects your relationship with God and allows the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in your life?

ENGAGE

• How do cultural standards of beauty influence our perceptions? How can we challenge those standards with a biblical worldview?
• How does the Bible encourage us to express beauty through our actions? How can we implement those principles in our communities?
• What does the truth that God is beautiful, created beautiful things, and makes us beautiful reveal about Him?