FOR THE LORD DOES NOT SEE AS MAN SEES – 1 Samuel 16:7

“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 

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. 

Unfortunately we live in a superficial world where people do judge on appearance. We would love to say that this is something we do not do and that we look beyond what is on the outside, but virtually all of us are influenced at times by appearance.

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. There are people in this world that many consider beautiful on the outside but their inside does not match their temporary exterior beauty. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman (or man) who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) 

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.

Many admire and try to emulate the famous, or follow someone’s teaching without first praying to God and asking Him for guidance and answers. Beware, because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and he uses wolves disguised as sheep to do his job.

On the other hand, there are times when we do not give a person a chance by judging them by our first impression of them. We need to realize that first impressions rarely tell us much about a person, so we should give him or her some time to reveal what is in their heart before making a decision.

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.

 

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