What Makes a Woman Beautiful?

You are here

What Makes a Woman Beautiful?

Login or Create an Account

With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later!

Sign In | Sign Up

×

We live in a society that places a high degree of importance on physical appearance. Television, movies, magazines and billboards all display attractive people. We see men and women (more women) running to plastic surgeons, having many different kinds of procedures done simply to enhance their appearance. Our society is obsessed with physical beauty, and many women are caught up in that obsession as well.

But should beauty really be that important for a woman? Is beauty something that a Christian woman should strive for? What makes a woman truly beautiful?

A woman can and should be beautiful—God designed her to be that way. Her skin, hair and other features were created to be soft and appealing, and her body was fashioned to be attractive and beautiful to men. A woman was designed to be attractive, and most women want to be beautiful. However, the physical side of beauty is just a small part of what makes a woman truly beautiful.

Our society places a high emphasis on the physical aspect of beauty and neglects the other elements that really make a woman totally beautiful. A beautiful woman is not just physically appealing; she is appealing in many different areas. Because our society so largely emphasizes the physical nature of beauty, I want to explore with you all of the areas that make up true beauty and bring out the missing dimension in beauty.

Outer beauty

A truly beautiful woman is physically appealing. Not all women are gifted with perfection of physical features, but fortunately, this is not the only prerequisite for beauty. Women tend to take a critical look at their individual features and flaws and feel this is what makes them attractive or not, whereas a man tends to look at the overall impression a woman creates. What a woman does with what she has is very important in making herself attractive. Physical beauty is really within the reach of any woman.

The most influential factor in a woman’s physical beauty is her health. When a woman is healthy, she has an attractive glow about her. Good health adds more color to the face and skin and helps produce more energy. A balanced, nutritious diet and exercise plan will help a woman to have this healthy glow. It will also help to keep excess weight off and produce a more attractive physique. When a woman is striving to follow the health laws she looks and feels more beautiful.

Another key factor of womanly beauty is looking feminine. A woman should look like a woman, not a man. A woman can achieve this through her dress and hairstyle.

The Bible says women’s hair should be longer than men’s. This doesn’t mean she has to wear it down to her ankles, but it should be long enough to differentiate her from a man. Most women enjoy choosing different hair styles and fixing their hair. A woman’s hairstyle and length can contribute to her attractiveness.

A physically attractive woman is also one who dresses modestly. Our society teaches women to flaunt their physical attributes by displaying scantily clad women on billboards, magazines and most other media outlets. Many women feel they must also dress this way to be considered attractive. This is not true. A fully clothed woman dressed in a modest, feminine way is very attractive. She is not only attractive, she gains honor and respect from those who see her. A woman’s body is designed to be attractive and arousing to men, and when a woman is revealing too much of herself in public, she is stirring up the wrong kind of feelings and will attract the wrong kind of attention. A truly beautiful woman aims for respect in the way she dresses.

Inner beauty

A beautiful woman is not only admired for her physical appearance; she is admired for her inner qualities as well. There are many inner qualities that make a woman beautiful, and to cover all of them would require a separate article. However, I want to focus on three important inner qualities a woman should possess to make herself truly beautiful.

A woman should be kind—she should be gracious. Proverbs 11:16 tells us that a gracious woman retains honor. When you think of the women that you hold in high regard, they usually are ladies who are kind, gentle, thoughtful, unselfish, etc. They are the women that we look up to and remember. In Proverbs 31:26, a virtuous woman is described as having the law of kindness on her tongue.

Bradley Gerstman, Christopher Pizzo and Rich Seldes, in the book What Men Want, write, “Women are astonished when we tell them what many professional men look for in a woman on the first date—besides chemistry, of course. Are you ready to hear what men hope to find in a woman they are dating for the first time? Men like women who are nice. Men are suckers for kindness and consideration. We love women who are affable, flexible, easygoing. Most men cannot resist a sweet woman” (page 68). Women who are gracious and kind are attractive.

A woman should also have good judgment. In Proverbs 11:22, a lovely woman who lacks discretion is compared to a ring of gold in a swine’s snout. If a woman is physically attractive, but lacks discretion, it takes away from her beauty and value. Good judgment is needed in many areas of life such as moral issues, money matters, choices, decisions, dealing with others, work, etc. A woman who possesses good judgment is of great value because she can be trusted to do the right thing.

A woman should continue to grow and better her inner self. Proverbs 31 describes a woman who is competent and capable of doing many different things. A woman who continues to grow while developing her talents and abilities is a woman of value. She is one who is able to contribute to others through these abilities, and she will be of use to her family, Church, community, etc. A woman who is developing her potential is an attractive woman.

Beautiful to God

A truly beautiful woman is not only attractive on the outside and inside, she is also attractive to God. How a woman looks to God is more important than any other quality she possesses because one day her outer beauty will fade and her inner beauty will cease, but the beauty that God sees in her will be important when she stands before Him. Being beautiful to God should be top priority on every woman’s list. The Scriptures give us some clues as to what God finds attractive in women.

God values a quiet spirit in a woman. As 1 Peter 3:3-4 tells us, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” Does this mean that a woman should never say anything—that she should always be quiet? No, this is saying that a woman should not have an argumentative, contentious spirit. She should not be someone who is quick to argue and demand her way. She should be peaceable to others and respectful to her husband. There are several scriptures in the book of Proverbs that talk about women who are angry and contentious, and how difficult it is to live with them.

There is a certain attitude among some women that has its roots in the feminist movement and is still prevalent among certain segments of society. This attitude is a deep anger toward men. These women want to prove that they are just as good as their male counterparts, and that they don’t need them. Contrast this attitude to the gentle and quiet spirit that God values in women. A truly beautiful woman is not in competition with men—she understands the value and strengths that they possess and appreciates them. Women and men both possess certain qualities that are needed by one another. When a woman has a gentle and quiet spirit, she is attractive to others and to God.

A truly beautiful woman is not in competition with men—she understands the value and strengths that they possess and appreciates them. Women and men both possess certain qualities that are needed by one another.

God values a woman who is submissive. “Submissive” is not a popular word in our society today. Many people think of being submissive as being weak. Yet, God has commanded women who are married to submit themselves to their husband’s authority. This does not mean that a woman should never have an opinion or say in what takes place in the family. A wise husband will consult his wife on all important issues. A woman who submits herself to her husband is a woman that understands and is yielding to the government that God has established in the home (Ephesians 5:22-32). It is not a sign of weakness when a woman submits to her husband, it is a sign of strength. It is a sign that she is in fact submitting herself to God and is obeying the commands that He has established. It is a sign of her faith in God. When a woman submits to her husband’s authority in marriage, she is beautiful to God.

God also values a woman who fears Him. When a woman is putting God first in her life and is striving to do what He has commanded, she is attractive to God. She should continue to deepen her relationship with Him and continue to grow spiritually. Proverbs 31:30 reads, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”

Our society places a high value on the physical beauty of women, but it does not understand all of the elements that make a woman truly beautiful. If a woman possesses only the physical aspect of beauty without the inner and godly qualities, she is a hollow and empty shell.

It is within every woman’s reach to become the beautiful woman God intended her to be. She should be beautiful on the outside, beautiful on the inside and, most importantly, she should be beautiful to God.

You might also be interested in...

Comments

  • twbdol

    The Bible says in Psalm 139v14 ......that we are fearfully and wonderfully made;happy are the works of God. At this point now man or woman need no extra beauty to add upon him or herself . Off course consent to what the Bible says in the book of Jeremiah 4v30 "when they are spoiled what do they do,though though clothest thyself with crimson,though thou deskest thee with ornaments of gold,though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair;thy lovers will despise thee, they willseek thy life"
    These is because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. So, We must serve God in the beauty He had made us from the origin and follow him by His word (The Bible) because we are going to be judge by thesame word.(psalm 90v17; Ephesians 1v20)

  • KARS

    Hello T! Your not the only outcast in this world. Believe it or not there are those that society doesn't understand because of their point of view. When we have mature parents growing up they can teach us that true beauty lies within. There use to be folk singers by the name of Peter, Paul, & Mary; they sang a song called "Inside". My mom raised my siblings and I one their songs. She told us growing up; "Just because a person may look beautiful on the outside doesn't mean the inside is beautiful. If they look ugly on the outside that doesn't mean they are ugly on the inside. Sit down and talk to them, find out who they are and you may just be surprised that that ugly person is beautiful inside and the pretty on, ugly." God our Father has given all of us talents. Your beauty can come out in the hobbies, arts & crafts you can make for others. I make quilts, greeting cards, I like to take photos in the rain while it's sprinkling. It is an Awesome wet world that God our Father made. You can share you photos with other. Things like that. You'll be in my prayers. Love, Kathy ((( T )))

  • Ruth

    I appreciate this article and the truths presented on true beauty. In my case I cannot be beautiful. I have a condition in which tumors grow on my face. I have fasted, prayed and sought God's Face over this and for the last 40 years it has remained. This is a genetic condition which began when I was 11 years old, and a Christian. It is devastating to my soul that I cannot be feminine and have what other women have. No matter where I go and what I attempt to do no one can see beyond this. In our culture which values beauty I am an outcast.

  • Nancy Morgan

    Thank you T for sharing your thoughts and explaining your condition. I cannot begin to understand your condition and what you have had to suffer because of it; people can be very insensitive and cruel.
    Even though I don't know you, I would guess that you have a very caring, accepting heart towards everyone, regardless of the way they look on the outside. I am sure you have great empathy for others who have had the misfortune in life to be born with or end being disfigured in some way. Your condition has probably allowed you to develop some wonderful inner beauty qualities that a lot of women today don't have.
    Please remember that these are qualities that God values, and would find beautiful. I cannot answer why He has chosen not to heal you, but He still does love you, and has a plan for you, which may include helping others with similar problems in the future.
    But in the here and now, you can still be feminine, display inner beauty qualities to everyone you meet, and make others feel good just to be around you. You can also develop talents and abilities which will make you attractive and feel more attractive.
    Thank you for your openness and honesty, pretty lady!

  • cklockhart

    Hello T, Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with fellow readers! There is no way that I--or anyone else who does not endure through a similar genetic condition--can understand your current plight, so I'm not going to pretend that I do. But T, God does and so does Christ. I can't pretend to guess why They have not chose to honor your request for healing, but please know that by sharing your words, you share yourself. Thank you T! No doubt, I will have you on my mind, prayer list and even in my heart for a while. Others will too. NONE of us who read your comments can compare to God & Christ's love and plan for your future in His/Their great Kingdom and beyond. There, when a child or even an older person is resurrected in 2nd R--who might have had a similar or worse condition--will need a hug and a welcome. Within that one hug, YOU will convey that you understand her past world. She will perceive that you understand her from pure experience. You will potentially guide millions of others through a new life without disease! Y'all might not recognize yourselves, but the people in THIS life, who know you now, will recognize your beauty. May His Kingdom come!

  • Austin Dauya-Msowoya
    Response to Andy Rickell: A Pastor from a church I used to attend when I was younger put it this way. "Husbands, love your wives enough to die for them; wives, love your husbands enough to live for them." Not easy to understand the deeper nuances of that statement but for me it resonated with Christ's sacrifice when He gave His life for the Church, that she, as His bride, might live in accordance with His leadership. Thank you Nancy Morgan for sharing.
  • andyrickell

    I really liked this article. I just wanted to add/mention that in the same passage that asks wives to submit to their husbands it requires husbands to love their wives as Jesus loves us. I think that means husbands, although they have headship, should then put their wives' needs and wishes ahead of themselves when making decisions. Relationships are about mutual submission, it's not about the woman being second to the man. We are both servants and imitators of our Lord.

  • mrssparky

    I loved the article. I agree, it was very uplifting, and well written!

  • Misia

    Thank you so much!!! This gave me so much joy and really helped me. All day in the most random places God keeps on putting this bible verse in my face 1 peter 3:3-4. Ever since i got into to high school I've been caring of how my physically appearance looks like, and I'm in my second year of high school and it got worse. I've been praying about this problem and God really helped me, but now i strive to have inner beauty to please God, because that is what is attractive to God. Thank you so much! I love when you said "How a woman looks to God is more important than any other quality she possesses because one day her outer beauty will fade and her inner beauty will cease, but the beauty that God sees in her will be important when she stands before Him" This really helped me and I'm going to start praying for inner beauty. Thanks again for this article!!!

  • Laura.H

    I think this was a very good piece. Its a piece about being "Beautiful to God" not "a feminist". Its a piece about how God created a woman to act, feel, and be. I would rather be beautiful to God then to be a beautiful woman of the world. If you live Gods way of life, He will be sure you are seen for the beauty that you have inside and out. Being a single mom, growing up out side the church, I understand how hard it is being a woman out in this world. If you follow Gods laws and be "Beautiful to God", He will show you blessings and awesomeness for being a good mother, wife, provider, and care giver.

  • joejhon

    Ms. Morgan, this is a good article, but I think you had a missed opportunity there when you mentioned feminism.

    As someone who considers herself a feminist, I take issue with this stereotype you perpetuate of feminists being angry misandrists who are trying to compete with/ be like men. I think you're thinking too much of old school feminism, in the 60s and 70s when the modern movement was developing. Sure, there were those "bra burners," and those women who insisted that they "don't need a man," but times have changed, and many contemporary feminists don't feel this way.

    I see feminism as an opportunity for women to exist in the world and, as you said "be valued for the strengths we possess." Instead of blaming feminism for creating women you deem ugly, think about all the wonderful things women do: birth and raise children, multitask, nurture, and think about how devalued these qualities are in our societies. The fact of the matter is women are not valued as men are. Being a "housewife" is not considered a real job, and things like nursing and childcare (female dominated occupations) have low pay thresholds. And don't even get me started on the paltry maternity leave women in this country are afforded. This is what feminism tries to battle.

    Feminism is not about being like or more powerful than men. The way I see it, it is respecting and valuing your power and your qualities as a woman, and being thus empowered. It's about choosing to have that career over starting a family, if you are so inclined, or, if you're like me, trying to build a career as a woman working independently from home so she can be there to raise her family, instead of having to send her kids to day care, etc. It's about not being afraid to speak extensively on a subject with other men around, it's about self-determination in your career path, and still showing love and respect for your husband. There are angry feminists, but I think the majority of us are just trying to be women in this world juggling careers and family, and making general life decisions that are often made more complicated because we are female.

    good piece, though!

  • Innocent Mushunje

    A well balanced article for every young adult, very relevant and encouraging.

  • Join the conversation!

    Log in or register to post comments