Inner beauty is the most important (10 mins.)
We live in an age where physical appearance seems to be valued more than qualities of the heart. Social media, advertising, and popular culture constantly tell us that we must look a certain way to be accepted or admired. But is that really what matters most?
The Bible teaches us that there is a much more lasting beauty, one that does not depend on makeup, clothing, or physical features. That is inner beauty, the kind that reflects who we truly are in Jehovah's eyes.
The Shulammite woman's words reflected her inner beauty
In the Song of Songs, we find a beautiful love story between a young Shulamite woman and a shepherd. They expressed themselves with affection and respect. Although the poetic expressions of that time may seem somewhat strange to us today, the feelings behind them are universal.
For example, the shepherd admired the tenderness in his beloved's eyes and compared them to those of doves. But his words didn't just praise her physical appearance; they highlighted something much deeper.
LET US READ THE SONG OF SONGS 4:7, 11
“You are absolutely beautiful, my beloved; there is no flaw in you. 11 Your lips, my bride, drip honey from the honeycomb. Milk and honey are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.”
Honey from the honeycomb has a pure, sweet flavor, more intense than honey that has been exposed to the air. With these words, the shepherd expressed that what he valued most about her was the sweetness of her words and her kind way of speaking to others.
When he told her, "You are absolutely beautiful and there is no flaw in you," he was not only referring to her face or her body, but to her inner beauty: her kindness, her respect, and her tender way of expressing herself.
This teaches us something valuable: true beauty is reflected in the way we speak to and treat others. A kind, compassionate, and respectful person will always be more attractive than someone who only cares about their outward appearance.
The Shulammite woman's moral purity was like a garden of extraordinary beauty.
The Song of Songs also reveals another outstanding trait of the Shulammite woman: her moral purity. This young woman attracted the attention not only of her beloved shepherd but also of the powerful King Solomon. However, she remained true to her principles and her love for the shepherd.
LET'S READ THE SONG OF SONGS 4:12
“My sister, my girlfriend, is like a closed garden, a sealed spring.”
In those times, a walled garden symbolized something protected, valuable, and reserved. Such was the Shulamite woman: a pure woman, not swayed by wealth or power, but who preserved her dignity and morals intact.
In the eyes of her beloved, her purity was as beautiful as a garden filled with fragrance, life, and harmony. And most importantly, her example pleased God, who inspired her story to be recorded in the Bible.
This teaches us that true beauty depends not on what we show on the outside, but on what we protect on the inside. Chastity, modesty, and integrity are precious qualities that distinguish us before God and others.
We can ask ourselves: Do I protect my heart and my values as the Shulammite protected her garden? If so, we can be sure that in Jehovah's eyes we are truly beautiful.
Inner beauty, which is the most important, is within everyone's reach.
Physical beauty changes over time; however, inner beauty grows stronger and more radiant with age.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 31:30
“Charm may be false, and beauty fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord will receive praise.”
Georgina, a sister who has been married for almost ten years, said: “Over time, the honesty and sincerity my husband shows me have drawn me closer to him. Since pleasing God is the most important thing in his life, he strives to be considerate and loving.”
Similarly, Daniel, married since 1987, commented: “For me, my wife is delightful. I'm not only physically attracted to her, but her personality makes me love her even more. She always thinks of others and makes sure they feel good.”
These examples show that true beauty does not depend on physical appearance, but on the heart.
Jehovah does not look at outward appearances, but at what we are on the inside. He told Samuel this when he was about to anoint the new king: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Therefore, inner beauty is within everyone's reach. It doesn't depend on money, age, or physical appearance. It is cultivated with humility, love, purity, and a close friendship with God.
Illustration
The image in our activity guide can illustrate how this beauty manifests itself in daily life.
The first image, where one sister comforts another, shows how compassion and love can be expressions of inner beauty. The sister offering comfort is not focused on her own appearance, but rather on supporting and caring for another person.
The second image, where a younger brother helps an older brother, reflects the inner beauty of humility and a willingness to serve. The younger brother isn't seeking recognition, but simply showing his love and respect for his older brother.
Both images highlight how inner beauty manifests itself in actions and attitudes that benefit others, rather than focusing on external appearance.
Conclusion
Physical beauty may attract attention, but inner beauty touches the heart and pleases God.
As we saw, the Shulammite woman displayed inner beauty in her words and in her kind way of treating others. Her moral purity was likened to a secluded garden, full of charm and value. And we learned that inner beauty is the most important, because it is available to everyone and is what Jehovah truly values.
Therefore, instead of worrying about appearances, let us strive to cultivate the qualities that reflect the heart of God: kindness, modesty, purity, and love. This is the beauty that never fades and has eternal value in the eyes of our Creator.
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