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"Incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit"

Text: 1 Peter 3:4

DEEP ADVICE

Peter’s admonition went further. He appealed to the womenfolk to look at things in greater depth.

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—
arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—
rather let it be the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:3-4

1. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward”

a) This was a common understanding and practice among the womenfolk.

b) A focus on outward adornment (physical beauty):

i) Arranging the hair

ii) Gold accessories

iii) Good clothes

c) Peter is not against dressing well. His challenge was to go beyond the physical realm.

2. “Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart”

a) The word “rather” suggests a strong alternative.

b) There is the heart (called “the hidden person”).

3. “With the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”

a) There is an inner beauty that is incorruptible.

i) Physical beauty is “corruptible” (it will not last).

ii) Inner beauty will outlast external beauty.

b) Two features are highlighted about “the spirit”:

i) Gentleness

ii) Quietness (versus “loudness”)

4. “Which is very precious in the sight of God”

a) This inner beauty or quality in God’s sight is valuable (“very precious”).

b) God’s esteem offers even greater motivation to cultivate this spirit.