1 Samuel 16:7

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

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God doesn’t focus on our outward appearance. It is what’s on the inside that matters to Him.

Scripture tells us that our beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes which call attention to us. Rather, it should be that of our inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4)  

So often we look at what we can see on the outside – beauty, talents, fame and such, but God sees straight to the heart – motives, intent and character. 

Even Samuel was swayed by physical appearance. When meeting Jesse’s first son, Eliab, he immediately assumes this must be God’s anointed one, however, God makes it clear: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.” (1 Samuel 16:6)

As we can see from God’s perspective, the outward appearance is not the best way to judge a person.

There is an old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Its meaning is simple, a person’s appearance, either their physical attributes or clothing, are no indication of their inner being. We need to be very careful because outward appearance can be very deceptive.

Jesus told the teachers of the law and Pharisees: “you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

‘Beauty is only skin deep’, and often the vain and arrogant seem to be the most beautiful to those lacking discernment from God, since our heavenly Father makes it clear that what actually matters to Him is what is in our heart.

A true child of God will reflect a humble spirit, love for God and others, as well as joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is truly a beautiful person in the eyes of God. “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)

Lord, You alone know each heart; I pray for discernment of Your Holy Spirit to recognize the qualities of the people who come into my life and not only look at the outward appearance, but to look at their heart.