The scriptures draw a clear distinction between outward appearance and inward spiritual beauty. While the world often places a high value on physical attractiveness, the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of the beauty of the heart, the spirit, and the character.
What Does The Bible Say About Physical Appearance?
The Bible addresses the issue of physical appearance in various ways, offering a unique perspective that counters the norms of society. The Bible stresses that the value of an individual does not reside in outward beauty. Instead, it focuses on virtues like kindness, humility, and love, which reflect the image of God. Physical beauty, according to the Bible, is fleeting and deceiving, unlike the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of supreme worth in God’s sight. This belief is portrayed throughout the Bible using different characters and narratives.
Why Does The Bible Emphasize Inner Beauty?
The Bible offers numerous examples that highlight the importance of inner beauty over outward appearance. It proclaims that God looks not at the exterior, but at one’s heart. The Bible emphasizes inner beauty because it represents eternal qualities such as integrity, kindness, and love. These qualities are praised, whilst vanity associated with physical beauty is portrayed as deceptive, unstable, and fleeting. At the same time, the Bible encourages modesty and decency in appearance as a reflection of one’s inner character.
Who Are Some Biblical Characters Noted For Their Appearance?
Many characters from the Bible are noted for their appearance, offering learning experiences about the importance of inner beauty. One such character is Absalom, King David’s son, who was admired for his handsome looks but met a tragic end due to his vanity and rebellion. In contrast to Absalom, David himself was not remarkable in appearance, yet he was declared “a man after God’s own heart” due to his faith and humility. Similarly, Queen Esther was known for her beauty, but it was her courage and wisdom that made her an influential figure. These examples depict that outer appearance can be deceiving, and it’s the inner character that matters.
Where Does The Bible Teach About Modesty?
The Bible teaches about modesty in several places, mainly through the teachings and instructions offered by its characters. The Bible encourages believers to embrace modesty as an important virtue, using it as a reflection of one’s submission to God and respect for oneself and others. Modesty in the Bible is not just about one’s physical attire but also about one’s attitude, behavior, and heart. Indulging in extravagant display of wealth or beauty is often criticized, as the Bible values humility, simplicity, and modesty.
When Does the Bible Highlight Inner Beauty?
The Bible highlights inner beauty in various instances. It introduces us to many individuals who, despite their ordinary or even unattractive physical appearance, were exceedingly beautiful in God’s sight because of their faithfulness, integrity, and spirit. This can be seen in Moses, who despite a speech impediment, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt due to his humble heart and faith. The Bible consistently conveys that God values the unseen qualities of the heart more than the visible attributes of outer appearance.
Below is our full list of bible verses on appearance (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Appearance
1 Samuel 16:7
“7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Related Themes: Pride Self-Esteem Criticism Vanity Heart
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
Proverbs 31:30
“30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Related Themes: Dating Vanity Beauty Modesty Self-Esteem
Psalm 139:14
“14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Related Themes: Creativity Attitude Earth Omnipotence Beauty
Matthew 23:28
“28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
Related Themes: Hypocrisy
1 Timothy 2:9
“9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”
Deuteronomy 22:5
“5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Colossians 3:17
“17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Related Themes: Business Attitude Gratitude Thankfulness Dedication
Genesis 1:27
“27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Related Themes: Creativity Earth Identity Equality Self-Esteem
