"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at
the heart." (v.7)
At most High School reunions people will generally talk about
how others look. Then as the evening progresses, the focus usually changes and
the conversations turn to topics about life. So much of our time and attention
are devoted to physical appearance that it’s easy to consider it, the most
important aspect of our lives. But the Bible reminds us that God wants us to
see ourselves, and others differently.
Here in chapter 16, when the Lord sent Samuel to anoint a new
king over Israel (v.1), God reminded him to look deeper than physical
characteristics: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature …
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart” (v.7).
David the shepherd boy did not appear to be kingly material. His
youthfulness did not measure up to the age and stature of his older brother
Eliab (v.6). Yet the Lord corrected Samuel's original perception (v.7) and
David would go on to become a great warrior and the Lord's chosen ruler of His
people (1 Samuel 13:14; 18:8; 2 Samuel 7:1-17).
When you are tempted to judge someone by his/her outward
appearance, remember the heart is what matters to God.
The Truth
“Every
way of a man is right in his
own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.”
(Proverbs 21:2)
