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From Revach.net
Parshas Vayeitzei – Vilna Gaon On The Value Of Physical Beauty
The pasuk (Vayeitzei (29:17) praises Rochel’s beauty. Why, asks the Vilna Gaon, surely Yaakov the Bechir HaAvos did not marry Rochel for her good looks?
He answers that Yaakov definitely married Rochel to have children to fulfill Hashem’s wishes. He chose Rochel because of her stellar character. However, says the Vilna Gaon, do not dismiss the value of beauty. It has great value in keeping one’s husband naturally focused. The gemara in Taanis (23a) tells us that Abba Chilkiya’s wife would greet him, all made up.
However, says the Vilna Gaon, the torah only praises beauty of an Isha Yiras Hashem. Only if she is truly an Eishes Chayil is her beauty praiseworthy. This is the meaning of the pasuk ‘Sheker Hachen V’Hevel HaYofi”, charisma is deceitful and beauty is nonsense, if that is the woman’s only claim to fame. “Isha Yiras Hashem”, however if she is a Yiras Hashem then, “He” her beauty, “Tis’halal” is also praiseworthy.
This also explains the gemara in Taanis (31a) that there were four kinds of girls. The pretty ones would say to the boys, “look at my beauty”. The ones from good families would say that marrying them will yield good children. The rich ones would flaunt their money. The less than good looking ones would say, “Marry me L’Shem Shamayim, but make sure to drape me in gold.” Why was marrying these girls “L’Shem Shamayim” since they obviously weren’t from good families? And why should they be draped in gold?
He answers that these girls would say that the boys should ignore the trivial reasons for marriage and marry a girl for nothing other than to fulfill Hashem’s command. But since you are humans and not malachim, just drape us in gold and you will have both, your L’Shem Shamayim and a nice looking wife.