Bible verses about Beauty

Traditional and social media dictate and promote accessories, clothing, hairstyle, and make-up as ways to beautify our bodies and make us more attractive. The Bible also provides a wealth of information on what true beauty is and what makes us beautiful.

Today we will look at some Bible verses that explores beauty and what it is really about.

Bible verses about beauty of a woman

These verses show that the beauty of a woman is not defined by the things she adorns herself with. Her beauty lies in her character, modesty, and simplicity.

1. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV

This text is a helpful reminder that women should not be overly focused on outward beauty because it is not lasting. The NLT version states that, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last".

The true beauty of a woman should not be defined by her physical features but reflected in her character and the reverence she has for her Maker.

2. You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Songs 4:7 NIV

In this verse Solomon attributes the beauty of a woman to being flawless. The beauty that this text speaks about is not partial or incomplete. The wording of the CSB version captures the essence of what a woman's beauty is all about. It states, "You are absolutely beautiful, my darling; there is no imperfection in you".

In the KJV of chapter 1:15 Solomon also mentions feminine beauty when he said, "Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes".

As followers of a perfect God we should strive to be perfect, righteous, and holy.

3. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2:9,10 NIV

This text is a guide that helps to put beauty into perspective. The apostle warned the members of the early church that modesty, decency, and appropriateness should be considered.

The wording of the NLT version further highlights the point that beauty is not about expensive and elaborate hairstyles, accessories, and clothing. "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes."

The good things that a godly woman does are a reflection of her true beauty. "For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." (1 Timothy 2:10 NLT)

4. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” Genesis 2:23 NIV

This text looks at the creation of the first woman. Eve was not adorned in fancy apparel and expensive jewelry when Adam first met her yet he looked at her with great admiration.

Eve was created perfect and beautiful. She did not need outward adornment to attract the eyes of Adam to her physical appearance. In fact they were both naked in the garden and remained that way until they were tempted by the serpent.

Before the fall, Eve's righteousness, holiness, and devotion to God were the true marks of her beauty.

5. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:15 NIV

There are many lessons in this text. Solomon is not speaking about a woman but is actually comparing wisdom to a woman. If Solomon did not appreciate and understand the true beauty of a female he would not have likened wisdom to the feminine gender.

If the text should be read as is, then one may realize that a female is worth so much more than any expensive jewelry. Another point is that a female is just as important or precious as wisdom.

Bible verses about inner beauty

Beauty is more important than physical appearance. Here are some scripture passages that look at inner beauty and its importance.

6. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3,4 NIV

These verses look at what inner beauty truly is and what it is not. Inner beauty doesn't diminish as one gets older. Neither is its worth determined by worldly treasures such as gold.

Imperishable beauty is not affected by wrinkles, cheap clothes, or the lack of expensive jewelry. It is rather characterized by steadfast love, gentleness, meekness, and other godly qualities.

7. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

This text not only shows the inner beauty of the apostle as he went through hardship but is a helpful reminder that we should be fortified mentally and spiritually.

The apostle did not lose heart because he had a personal connection with God and drew strength from Him each day. The world places a high value on physical appearance as a determining factor for beauty. This is why the KJV of Romans 12:2 warns, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...".

8. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

The thoughts that we dwell on may help or harm our inner beauty. That is why this text encourages us to fill our minds with positive things.

Our thoughts determine our actions and govern the things we say. The KJV Matthew 12:34 noted, "how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh". Good deeds and kind words are expressed by those who spend time cultivating inner beauty.

Another reason to think pure thoughts and cultivate inner beauty is found in Matthew 5:8 (Blessed are the pure in heart) and Psalm 24:5 (They will receive blessing from the Lord). The Lord will reward inner beauty with many blessings.

9. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Matthew 23:28 NIV

This verse is a reminder for us to consider both the seen and unseen. It's very easy for some individuals to pretend or put on a show to impress others while hiding their true feelings. This is why outward appearance can be very deceptive because it is not an honest representation of who a person truly is.

Inner beauty is an honest representation of a person's character. It is determined by the true motives and reasons behind actions. If your thoughts are honest, just, and pure then there is no need to pretend in order to impress others since your actions will be aligned with your thoughts.

10. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 NIV

This verse makes the connection between God and inner beauty. God is the source of true beauty. In Genesis the activities for each day of creation were described as 'good'.

The Psalmist testifies that, "those who look to him are radiant". Inner beauty shines forth from each of us when we depend on our heavenly Father. It's easier for others to behold His glory in us when we remain connected to Him and are renewed daily by Him.

Bible verses about beauty and self worth

Our understanding of and outlook on beauty shape the way we think and feel about ourselves. Here are some texts that look at beauty and self worth.

11. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 NIV

In this psalm David praises the Lord while showing satisfaction for being wonderfully made. If we are convinced that we were created in the image and likeness of God then there would be no need for us to be dissatisfied with our physical appearance.

Rather we would be at peace with who we are and who we belong to. We are a royal priesthood therefore our concept of beauty should not be influenced by the thinking of this world. Secondly, we are children of God who are worth so much that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son to save us.

The KJV of Isaiah 62:3 sums up our beauty and worth by stating that, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God".

12. And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Matthew 6:28,29 NIV

This passage is a helpful reminder that our beauty and self-worth should not be determined by costly arrays, fancy garments, and riches. As we reflect on the goodness of God and the care He takes in nature and His creation we are able to be comfortable with our appearance and think positively about ourselves.

The NLT version says that "yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are." The Lord cares about us a lot more than He does for flowers.

13. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, ²⁷for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26,27 NIV

Being clothed in Christ is to be covered in righteousness. This not only brings hope but also contributes to positive self worth and adds to inner beauty.

To be clothed with Christ means His righteousness and grace will cover our imperfections. The ugliness created by sin will be replaced by His holy nature and our worth will not be measured by our shortcomings but all that we can be thanks to the man Christ Jesus.

The most beautiful clothes anyone could wear is the garment of praise and grace that is found in Christ.

14. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25 NIV

Low self worth is sometimes characterized by worrying about our shortcomings and inadequacies. This verse highlights the beauty that is found in the provision and protection of God.

God does not want us to worry but to have faith, be patient, and depend on His tender mercies. We should not spend this life worrying about food and clothes but preparing ourselves for the future that the Lord has promised those who are faithful and true.

15. The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8 NIV

This verse has many lessons about beauty and self worth. It is a reminder that beauty may be found in our time of trouble. 'Tribulation worketh patience' and God will use our trials to perfect our character and mold our inner beauty. This is why Psalm 27:14 encourages us to "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord".

God's love is faithful and endures forever and this is why even when we find it hard to love and value ourselves we know that we are loved.

We are the work of His hands and when we are feeling alone we are reminded that He sees us as worthwhile and He will not abandon us because He made us.

Bible verses about beauty from ashes

God has the power to redeem, change, or restore anyone or anything. Here are some verses that look at beauty from ashes.

16. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. Isaiah 62:1 NIV

This text looks at the interest God places on vindicating and restoring His people. The KJV of Isaiah 53:6 explains our actions and how our Father through Christ has redeemed us. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all".

More than often the children of God turn to iniquity despite many warnings. They stop shining His light and become like ashes. Ashes represent the end product after a fire. God does not want His children to be the burnt out remains of a fire. He wants them to be filled with light as they shine, provide warmth, and add to the glory of this world.

This is why the plan of salvation was prepared in advance to restore the relationship that the Lord has with His children.

17. and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 NIV

This text provides hope and comfort for those who mourn. It shows how the Lord intervenes and restores His people to splendor and beauty.

Isaiah 62:3 describes what happens when God redeems and restores His children. It states, "You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God".

The ESV translated this text with the word beauty. "You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD". From the ashes of sin, captivity, mourning, and grief God's people will be restored to their former glory.

18. And in every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4:3 NIV

This is a phenomenal story of how God used a bad situation and turned it into something beautiful. A law was passed to annihilate all the Jews in the province but God intervened.

He used Queen Esther to turn a threatening situation into a pleasant one. In the end, Haman was no longer a threat to Mordecai and a new law was passed to protect the Jews from annihilation.

Mourning, fasting, weeping, and wailing turned to joy and gladness. Esther 8:16, 17 stated, "For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. ¹⁷...there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating…".

19. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13 NIV

This verse also looks at how God's people will react when He restores them to beauty from ashes. Their mourning will transform to gladness, their sorrow will turn to joy, and they will receive comfort for their grief.

The love that God has for His people is as high as the heavens and as deep as the sea. He will make every effort to seek us out and draw us close.

20. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:13,14 NIV

This text looks at the plan of salvation and compares the ceremonial sacrificial system to the sacrifice of Jesus. It shows how the Lord beautifies and purifies us through the shedding of blood.

In the ceremonial system the blood of animals and the sprinkling of ashes were cleansing rituals. With the sacrifice of Jesus, His shed blood cleanses us and creates inner beauty. Day by day we are to 'die to self' and accept the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

Bible verses about beauty in God’s eyes

God does not look at beauty from a worldly point of view. For Him it is based on standards of righteousness and holiness. Here are some texts that will help you to understand the meaning of beauty from God's perspective.

21. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

This verse is an excellent example that tells us beauty is not about physical appearance. All of David's brothers were more physically appealing to the eyes. But God is not impressed by our physique. He is concerned about the pureness of our thoughts and the strength of our character.

22. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

We are works of art, masterpieces created by the Most High God. Every detail of who we are and the purpose we are to fulfill has been prepared for us. God has endowed us with the skills, talents, and gifts needed for us to add beauty to this world and the lives of others.

23. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV

Our apparel, accessories, and the price tag of the things we wear does not make us beautiful. We are beautiful because we were created in the image of God. He created us in His likeness because beauty for Him is about purity, holiness, and righteousness.

God did not adorn Adam and Eve with precious jewels or fancy clothes. They were clothed with His righteousness and that was good enough. "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…" Genesis 1:31

24. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

This verse is a helpful reminder that though the world seems so warped by sin there is beauty all around us. Goodness and perfection may be seen in all of God's creation because He made 'everything beautiful in its time'.

Another point to remember is that God will put an end to sin and the ugly scar it has caused. He will restore this world to its former glory. Let us hope for that beautiful and glorious future where sin and shame will be no more.

25. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. ¹⁸By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. Ezekiel 28:17,18 NIV

Beauty is not something that we should use to put ourselves above others. Inner beauty is about humility, meekness, and goodness while outward beauty is about self-centeredness, self-righteousness, and pride.

God is not pleased with a mind corrupted by pride and self righteousness. This is why when Lucifer became proud God cast him out of heaven. We should be careful not to place too much value on material things and outward beauty or allow pride to cloud our judgement. Proverbs 16:18 warns that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall".

Final thoughts on beauty

Beauty is not about outward appearance and how well we look or dress. Pure hearts, good deeds, and righteousness are the character traits that we should develop as they are a more accurate reflection of what true beauty is all about.