Inner Worth

A beautifully cut diamond placed in a setting that displays its attributes effectively will naturally garner attention and admiration.  That is an illustration of what can be observed in our culture with its regard for outward beauty.  Carrying that analogy further, just as a diamond in the rough can be overlooked and disregarded despite its intrinsic worth; inner worth and beauty often goes unnoticed and doesn't seem to be valued as much.

If it were a true diamond in the beautiful setting, then maybe it makes sense that it is admired more; however, with our society's emphasis on outer beauty, the analogy would be that often more worth might be placed even on a "cubic zirconia", as long as it is displayed beautifully.  Only the rare person who does not care about the beautiful setting but places more worth on the intrinsic value will seek the "diamond in the rough" and deserve to have it.  And, the true beauty of a diamond is best revealed when it is reflecting and refracting the light, displaying the beauty of the Creator.