When you start to define yourself by God’s standards and not the standards of the world, it can raise a lot of interesting questions. What, exactly, does it look like to live by God’s standards as a teenager in 2010? What does it look like to dress by God’s standards and still shop at the mall? How does God define beauty?

Living by God’s standards requires an openness to listen for God’s voice and be obedient on a daily basis. He’s provided us all of the answers and guidelines for living, it just might require some thought to find the right answer. Here are a few great verses on God’s definition of beauty. Take some time to think and pray about them and discover how God defines beauty.

1 Peter 3:3-5 (NIV) “³Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. ⁴Instead, 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. ⁵For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful…”

I love this verse. Not only does it tell us what “is of great worth in God’s sight,” but it also says that beauty isn’t about having good hair days and having the best accessories. Beauty is about being gentle and quiet.

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

This verse is probably quoted more than any other when it comes to defining a woman’s beauty, and with good reason. Being able to flirt can be manipulative. Beauty is great, but eventually it will fade. Loving the Lord and following Him with your whole heart is the best way to make yourself beautiful.

Proverbs 11:22 (NIV) “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”

Proverbs has so many great little nuggets of wisdom. This one is a personal favorite. There really is nothing more disappointing than a pretty girl who flaunts herself around and acts without modesty. Guys might enjoy her for awhile (and if they do they’re probably not the best guys to be interested in in the first place). Ultimately, the best guys are interested in girls who are pretty, but also respect God (and themselves) enough to dress modestly and act wisely.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) “Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

This is probably the most comprehensive definition of beauty in the Bible. The things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable are the things God wants us to concentrate on. Whenever you’re making a decision about what to wear, how to act, who to befriend, where to go, and what to do, think about it through this filter and you’ll have your answer.