“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.” — 1 Samuel 16:7, KJV
When Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint Israel’s next king, he saw Eliab and was impressed by his appearance. But God immediately corrected Samuel’s judgment. God does not evaluate people according to the standards by which human beings commonly evaluate one another.
“Man looketh on the outward appearance.” People naturally notice what is visible—appearance, position, education, possessions, talents, reputation, influence, and accomplishments. These things may impress people, but they do not reveal everything about a person's character.
“But the LORD looketh on the heart.” God sees what human eyes cannot see. He knows our motives, desires, intentions, thoughts, faithfulness, and character. David was not initially the person Samuel expected, but God knew David's heart and chose him.
This does not mean David's heart was perfect or that he never sinned. Scripture openly records David's serious failures. Rather, the passage teaches that God's judgment penetrates beneath outward appearances.
Personal Application
We should be careful about judging someone's spiritual condition merely by what we can see. Someone may look impressive outwardly while being spiritually unhealthy within. Likewise, someone overlooked by people may be highly valued and prepared by God.
The verse also challenges us personally. It is possible to maintain the right outward appearance while neglecting the condition of our hearts.
Instead of asking only, “How do people see me?”, we should also ask:
“What does God see when He looks at my heart?”
Our prayer should be like David's:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” — Psalm 139:23, KJV
People see appearance.
God sees motives.
People see accomplishments.
God sees character.
People see what we present.
God sees the heart.
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