We often place significant emphasis on physical appeal and outward demonstrations of success, yet, the Bible teaches us that what’s inside holds far more importance. It consistently advocates for focusing on internal qualities over external attractiveness and worldly symbols of wealth and success.
What Does the Bible Say About Appearances?
The Bible holds valuable insight on the subject of appearances. Throughout its various books, it encourages us to see beyond the tangible and visible, to value the unseen, and to appreciate inner virtues over outward attractions. It reminds us that physical beauty fades, but moral capacity and spiritual richness are lasting and far more consequential. From people’s ideas of beauty to their preoccupation with surface-level success, the Bible’s teachings challenge us to rethink our values and align ourselves with a more enlightened understanding of worth and beauty.
Why Does the Bible Emphasize Looking Beyond Appearances?
The Bible emphasizes looking beyond appearances to encourage a worldview that places character and spirituality over materialism and vanity. It aims to guide us in transcending shallow judgments based on physical attributes or external indicators of success and instead measure value in personal virtues, honor, and spiritual depth. This comprehensive perspective promotes a more humane approach to relationships and interactions, fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding rather than discrimination and prejudice.
Who Does the Bible Refer To When Discussing Appearances?
The Bible uses various characters and narratives to demonstrate the importance of looking beyond appearances. It depicts individuals who may be physically unimpressive or socially marginalized but possess significant spiritual strength and moral integrity. Instead of focusing only on outward appearances, the Bible draws attention to the heart and character of these individuals. It underscores the contrast between what is seen on the surface and what truly lies within, pushing us to redefine our perception of worth and value.
Where Does the Bible Teach Us to Look When Assessing Value?
The Bible instructs us to turn our gaze inward when assessing our own true value or that of others. It brings to the fore the contrast between the transient nature of physical attractiveness and the enduring value of moral strength, kindness, and faith. It teaches us to look at the heart, the seat of emotions and character, rather than the external veneer of beauty, wealth or success. By doing so, it guides us towards a perspective that sees beyond the surface, appreciating a person’s essence rather than their packaging.
When Does the Bible Encourage Us Not to Judge by Appearances?
The Bible consistently encourages us not to make snap judgments based on appearances. It cautions us against jumping to conclusions based solely on what we see or perceive externally. It presents numerous instances where individuals or circumstances are not what they initially seem, demonstrating the importance of patience, understanding, and a deeper exploration of the situation or person before forming an opinion. Thus, it urges us to step away from short-sighted judgments, promoting patience, wisdom, and discernment over hasty conclusions.
Below is our full list of bible verses on appearances (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Appearances
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
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
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
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
John 7:24
“24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Discernment Criticism Resolving Conflict Modesty
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
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;”
Revelation 1:1
“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:”
Related Themes: Earth Trespassing Omnipotence Criticism Gold
1 Peter 3:3-4
“3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Jewelry Beauty
James 1:23
“23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:”
Related Themes: Self Examination Laziness
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
John 8:15
“15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Discrimination
Genesis 1:26
“26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Omnipotence Earth Greatness Creativity
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Related Themes: Reputation Holiness Self-Control Music Adultery
2 Corinthians 10:7
“7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.”
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
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Colossians 3:12-14
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Criticism Kindness Patience
Matthew 7:20
“20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
John 3:16-17
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
