Beauty is subjective. Everyone has their own definition of what it means to be beautiful, and this definition changes over time.

How about you? How do you define beauty?

In Western countries, being thin and tall, and having light or tanned skin, is considered beautiful. It is widely known that in South Korea, having fairer skin is considered “yeppeuda” (beautiful). But here are some beauty standards around the world that you rarely hear about because they receive less representation in the media:

• For the Maori people of New Zealand, facial tattoos—especially on the chin—are considered beautiful. 
• Kayan women in Myanmar believe that the longer the neck, the more beautiful a woman is. 
• In Mauritania, Africa, women are encouraged to gain weight because, in their culture, that is a sign of beauty. 

How about in the Philippines? What are the common beauty standards you know?

The world has different definitions of beauty, and each person has their own preferences. Some find morena (tan-skinned) women more attractive, while others prefer fair-skinned people.

This only proves that everyone can be beautiful, but you cannot be beautiful to everyone.

Aside from that, people change. As time goes by, their opinions, beliefs, and principles change, too.

But there is Someone who is unchanging—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings—Jesus.

Wouldn’t it be wise to understand what is beautiful in His sight and conform to that?

Here are three biblical truths that can help you focus on what truly matters—the kind of beauty that lasts for eternity.

Biblical Beauty #1: A woman who fears the Lord

“Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity.” (Proverbs 31:30, TPT)

Why should a woman who fears the Lord be praised?

If you have read the entire chapter of Proverbs 31, you will see that more than half of it describes the characteristics of an ideal, godly woman. Upon reflecting on it, you will understand why a woman who fears the Lord is worthy of praise.

Here are some of her qualities:

• “She is clothed with strength and dignity.” (Proverbs 31:25)
• “She speaks with wisdom.” (Proverbs 31:26)
• “She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.” (Proverbs 31:27)

The good news is you can be like her too.

Biblical Beauty #2: The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, 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)

This verse is a beautiful reminder that the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great value in God’s eyes.

Although 1 Peter 3:3-4 is directed towards wives, we can also take this message to heart because Jesus is our bridegroom (Revelation 19:7-9), and the Lord, our Maker, is our husband (Isaiah 54:5).

But what does it mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit?

It does not mean that someone should be silent all the time or act fragile that you cannot even break a plate. This is not to be taken literally.

Notice that the word “spirit”follows “gentle and quiet.” This means it has nothing to do with your personality but rather with the state of your heart and soul.

This verse emphasizes having a gentle heart that is compassionate and a quiet soul that is not anxious but trusts in the Lord’s sovereignty.

The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit does not rely on outward appearance but is rooted in confidence in God’s perspective.

Biblical Truth #3: Chosen and accepted by the Lord

“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)

For context, this verse refers to a conversation between God and Samuel about King Saul.

Saul was handsome, tall, and physically appealing—qualities that made him the people’s ideal king. At first glance, even Samuel was impressed by his outward appearance.

But as time passed, Samuel was disappointed because Saul’s heart was not pure before the Lord. Though he had exceptional abilities, his intentions were not right.

That is when God told Samuel that He had rejected Saul as king.

What is the point of being physically attractive if God rejects you? It is far better to be accepted and chosen by the Lord than to base your worth on outward appearance.

This does not mean to say that all attractive people are like King Saul. The point is a person’s heart matters more to God than physical appearance. No external beauty can ever conceal what is truly inside.

All these biblical truths point to one thing: Conform to God’s beauty standard, which never changes—unlike the world’s ever-changing standards.

Because no matter what others say about your appearance, the truth is, even before you were born, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14, NIV)

Know how valuable you are by getting to know the One who created you. Start your journey here.