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What does the Bible say about beauty?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that true beauty is rooted in God’s creative wisdom and is most clearly seen in a heart renewed by grace, not merely in outward appearance. Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:14 affirm the dignity of people as God’s handiwork, while 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that the Lord looks on the heart. Proverbs 31:30 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 commend reverent character, gentle humility, and fear of the Lord over fading charm. Song of Solomon 4:7 celebrates marital affection, yet Isaiah 40:8 and 2 Corinthians 4:16 place bodily change in perspective. In Christ, believers are God’s workmanship, being inwardly renewed for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Peter 3:3-4

    [3] Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; [4] but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.

  • Proverbs 31:30

    Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.

  • Song of Solomon 4:7

    You are all beautiful, my love. There is no spot in you.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Yahweh sees] not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."

  • Genesis 1:27

    God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.

  • Psalms 139:14

    I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.

  • Isaiah 40:8

    The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16

    Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:11

    He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

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