“A gracious woman retaineth honour …” (Proverbs 11:16)
The outward man must perish. The glory of man is as the flower of the field. But there is an internal beauty that only increases with time. This beauty must be sought out, not for the notice of men, but for God. It is “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:4)
Pride cares what people think of us. In the end, our desire to win their praise and avoid their criticism, causes us to lose favor with them. We act in ugly and self-serving ways. We lose our reputation the more we seek to preserve it.
Walking humbly with God causes us to live for His glory and not our own. We are not combative, defensive, or insecure. We radiate peace because our lives are not our own to protect; they are in the hands of the God in whom we trust.
Honor comes to all those who honor God, male or female. A gracious spirit is beautiful at any age.