First Peter 3 explains how a woman can have unfading beauty. The godly woman in 1 Peter 3 can be contrasted with the ungodly woman in Proverbs 7 who lures the foolish young man.

Table of contentsA Godly Woman Has a Gentle and Quiet Spirit Versus Being LoudA Godly Woman Is Submissive Versus RebelliousA Godly Woman Manages Her Home Versus Neglects ItA Godly Woman Dresses ModestlyAre Men or Women at Fault?A Selfish AttitudeA Godly Woman Can Pursue External BeautyWhat About Jewelry and Nice Clothing?Unfading Beauty Should Be Pursued More than External BeautyOur World's Obsession with Unfading BeautyEven the World Appreciates Unfading BeautyUnfading Beauty Is "Precious to God"What About Jesus's Appearance?

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The unfading beauty of a godly woman is described in 1 Peter 3:1-4 and can be contrasted with the ungodly woman in Proverbs 7.

Much of the text in this post is found in Your Marriage God's Way, which also has an accompanying audiobook. I am praying God uses the book and workbook to strengthen marriages and exalt Christ.

What makes a woman beautiful? The harlot in Proverbs 7 tried different ways to make herself beautiful, or attractive, to the young man:

Verse 10 says she “dressed as a prostitute”

Verse 13 shows she was incredibly aggressive: “She seizes him and kisses him”

Verse 17 says she used “[perfume], myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon”

Verse 21 says she used “seductive speech”

Are these the things that make a woman beautiful? Or is it something physical, such as her hair or face? Or something mental, such as her intelligence or education? Or something emotional, such as her personality or friendliness?

The Bible acknowledges physically beautiful women. For example: Sarah in Genesis 12:14, Rebekah in Genesis 24:16, Rachel in Genesis 29:17, Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:3. But the weakness of this beauty is it fades with time. But 1 Peter 3:1-4 describes an unfading beauty:

1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be externalthe braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the IMPERISHABLE (or unfading) BEAUTY of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

The godly woman described in these verses can be contrasted with the harlot in Proverbs 7.

A Godly Woman Has a Gentle and Quiet Spirit Versus Being Loud

Proverbs 7:10 And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. 11a She is loud

What did it say about the woman in 1 Peter 3? She has a:

1 Peter 3:4 gentle and QUIET SPIRIT

It’s important to notice it says, “gentle and quiet spirit” versus “gentle and quiet mouth.” In other words, this isn’t telling women they can never talk. Women can be friendly, social, extroverted, and have quiet spirits. Conversely, women can be introverted, talk little, and NOT have quiet spirits. Consider the description of the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31:26:

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She is applauded for speaking. If Peter is not discouraging women from speaking, what is he discouraging? The Greek word translated “gentle” is prays, which means “mildness of disposition.” It describes how a woman should handle herself and respond to situations in life. She should be calm and in control. She should not be easily wrought or stirred up. Consider how it’s worded in the Amplified: “a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature].” The word appears only two other places in Scripture:

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek [prays], for they shall inherit the earth.