What does Proverbs 31:30 mean?

It is appropriate to see a reference to "fearing" the Lord near the end of Proverbs, as the book began with a similar reference. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lᴏʀᴅ is the beginning of knowledge." This means properly understanding His role as Creator, and reverently seeking His will.

This comes at the end of a long chain of verses describing a rare, "excellent" woman (Proverbs 31:10). This godly wife is said to be trustworthy (Proverbs 31:11), hardworking (Proverbs 31:15), savvy (Proverbs 31:16), caring (Proverbs 31:20), prepared (Proverbs 31:21), dignified (Proverbs 31:25), and wise (Proverbs 31:26). As a result, she is praised by her family (Proverbs 31:28–29). Only here, at the end, is her physical appearance noted—and only to note that her moral and spiritual character are infinitely more important. Even the most beautiful woman's good looks will fade as age takes its toll. However, spiritual beauty never wears out. In fact, it grows when someone honors and seeks the Lord's will (Proverbs 3:5–8). A woman can grow ever increasingly spiritually beautiful as she properly follows God (Proverbs 1:5).

If a woman wants to stay youthfully attractive in old age, cosmetics will only go so far. And they can only be external and superficial. Yet by honoring God with her life, a woman will be beautiful and charming eternally. Peter understood this fact. He advised women: "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Peter 3:3–4).