What Truly Deserves Praise - Amy Sapp

WHAT TRULY DESERVES PRAISE

Proverbs 31:30

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

~ Have you ever felt the pressure to be more put together, more beautiful, more impressive? Maybe even to say "Peer Pressure".

~ Have you ever wondered what truly makes a woman worthy of praise?

Let's look at a verse that answers that clearly.

Let's pick it apart together!

Section 1: The Deception of Charm

“Favour is deceitful…”

~ The word favour here can be translated as “charm” or “grace” in demeanor. It’s about being likeable, socially smooth, impressive.

~ This kind of outward charm can win attention BUT it can also be a lack of substance.

Examples:

~ Think of someone who “says all the right things” but lives a very different life behind closed doors. We all know or know of someone like that. Or maybe more than one "someone's".

~ Or times WE have tried to “put on” charm to be accepted.

Truth:

Charm without character is like a beautifully wrapped gift box with nothing inside. It deceives others AND sometimes we can even deceive ourselves.

You don’t have to perform or impress to be valuable. God looks deeper than that.

Section 2: The Emptiness of Beauty

“…and beauty is vain.”

~ The word vain means “empty” or “temporary.”

~ Culture places a high price on beauty but Scripture reminds us it doesn’t last and isn’t the foundation of any worth or value.

Bible Perspective:

~ 1 Peter 3:3-4 encourages inner beauty as a meek and quiet spirit.

~ Isaiah 40:6-8 reminds us that “all flesh is grass… the grass withereth.”

Real "Talk"

We age. A.G.E. It is a disease that we all have.

Life leaves marks. Beauty standards shift.

But the beauty that comes from walking with Jesus? That only grows richer.

As the days go by!

Section 3: The Fear of the Lord

“…but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

This is the contrast. This is what DOES deserve praise.

Soooo what exactly does it mean to fear the Lord?

~ It’s not being afraid of Him it’s reverencing Him, honoring Him, submitting to Him.

~ It’s a life aligned with HIS heart and HIS ways.

A woman who fears the Lord:

~ Obeys Him, EVEN when it’s hard.

~ Puts Him FIRST in all of her priorities.

~ Loves others from a place of security IN Him.

~ Lives for an audience of One. And only ONE!

This kind of woman stands out.

She may not be famous online. She may not be in the spotlight.

But she is seen by God and praised by those who truly matter.

Examples:

~ The quiet mother praying over her children.

~ The widow who worships faithfully.

~ The young woman choosing purity over popularity.

I can think of lady's that fit each of these categories. I am sure you can too.

Section 4: She Shall Be Praised

God promises praise to the woman who fears Him.

It might not be immediate praise.

~ The world may overlook her.

~ But GOD sees EVERYTHING.

~ Her legacy will outlive her lipstick and popularity.

Scripture promises reward:

~ “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

~ Her children rise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28).

~ God Himself delights in her.

You don’t have to be society’s version of “enough.” Just walk in the fear of the Lord and let His praise be your goal.

~ Where have you been seeking favor or praise from the wrong places? Maybe not every area of life, but maybe one?

~ How can YOU grow in the fear of the Lord today?

Easy and very Practical

~ Begin each day with a heart of reverence... start in prayer and the Bible.

~ Set your self-worth around who God says you are.

~ Encourage another woman this week who fears the Lord and lift her up!