Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of "looks" or "appearance" is addressed in various contexts, often highlighting the distinction between outward appearance and inner character. The Scriptures frequently remind believers that God values the heart over external appearances.1. God's Perspective on Appearance: One of the most direct teachings on looks is found in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's judgment is based on the heart rather than physical appearance. 2. Human Tendency to Judge by Appearance: The Bible acknowledges the human tendency to judge others based on looks. In James 2:1-4, believers are warned against showing favoritism based on appearance: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" 3. Beauty and Vanity: The Bible also addresses the fleeting nature of physical beauty. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse highlights the temporary nature of physical beauty and the enduring value of godliness. 4. Modesty and Adornment: Scripture encourages modesty in appearance, emphasizing inner beauty over external adornment. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, women are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." 5. Jesus' Appearance: The Bible provides little detail about Jesus' physical appearance, focusing instead on His character and mission. Isaiah 53:2 prophetically describes the Messiah: "He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him." This suggests that Jesus' impact was not due to His physical looks but His divine nature and teachings. 6. Transformation and Renewal: Believers are called to focus on inner transformation rather than outward appearance. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation reflects a shift from valuing external appearances to cultivating a Christ-like character. 7. The Glory of God Reflected: Ultimately, the Bible teaches that believers are to reflect God's glory, which transcends physical appearance. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the reality of physical appearance, it consistently emphasizes the importance of inner character and spiritual beauty, urging believers to prioritize the heart and reflect God's glory in their lives. Topical Bible Verses 1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said to Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Topicalbible.org Greek 587. apodektos -- acceptable ... 587 () looks back to the that prompts the glad receiving (note the prefix, ). For the believer, this is God Himself (His grace). See 588 (). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/587.htm - 7k 518. apaggello -- to report, announce 1909. epi -- on, upon 3742. hosiotes -- piety, holiness 1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault 3326. meta -- with, among, after 3622. oikonomia -- stewardship, administration 991. blepo -- to look (at) 2657. katanoeo -- to take note of, perceive 3879. parakupto -- to stoop sideways, to stoop to look Strong's Hebrew 5869. ayin -- an eye... forehead* (5), generous* (1), glares* (1), gleam (3), humble person* (1), knowledge (1), like* (1), look (4), look* (3), looked* (3), looks* (1), maliciously ... /hebrew/5869.htm - 7k 8259. shaqaph -- to overhang, look out or down 1875. darash -- to resort to, seek 3474. yashar -- to be smooth, straight, or right 6822. tsaphah -- to look out or about, spy, keep watch 5027. nabat -- to look 7688. shagach -- to gaze 4758. mareh -- sight, appearance, vision 7200. raah -- to see Library The Looks of Jesus The Answer that Christ Looks not Only at the Action but Also at ... My Faith Looks up to Thee Nuhguhmoowin 33. My Faith Looks up to Thee My Faith Looks up to Thee If Thou Knewest the Gift of God The Important Question On Love, and the Repressing of Our Desires. Parting Counsels On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs. Thesaurus Looks (76 Occurrences)...Looks (76 Occurrences). ... Luke 9:62 Jesus answered him, "No one who has put his hand to the plough, and then looks behind him, is fit for the Kingdom of God. ... /l/looks.htm - 28k Riches (118 Occurrences) Facing (79 Occurrences) Outward (17 Occurrences) Looking (883 Occurrences) Look (1874 Occurrences) Pisgah (8 Occurrences) Big (21 Occurrences) Stature (22 Occurrences) Haughtiness (11 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is rhetorical criticism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about beauty? | GotQuestions.org Looks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Looks (76 Occurrences)Matthew 5:28 Matthew 6:16 Matthew 16:4 Luke 9:62 John 6:40 John 9:9 James 1:23 James 1:24 James 1:25 Leviticus 13:21 Leviticus 13:26 Leviticus 13:31 Leviticus 13:56 Leviticus 14:35 Numbers 21:8 Numbers 21:20 Numbers 23:28 Deuteronomy 22:2 Joshua 15:2 Judges 14:3 1 Samuel 13:18 1 Samuel 16:7 1 Samuel 16:12 1 Samuel 16:18 1 Samuel 25:3 Ezra 8:22 Job 7:2 Job 8:17 Job 28:24 Job 41:34 Psalms 14:2 Psalms 18:27 Psalms 22:17 Psalms 33:13 Psalms 33:14 Psalms 53:2 Psalms 85:11 Psalms 101:5 Psalms 104:32 Psalms 112:8 Psalms 113:6 Psalms 138:6 Proverbs 14:15 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 25:23 Proverbs 27:18 Proverbs 31:13 Proverbs 31:27 Proverbs 31:30 Ecclesiastes 11:4 Song of Songs 2:9 Song of Songs 5:15 Song of Songs 6:10 Song of Songs 7:4 Isaiah 2:11 Isaiah 2:17 Isaiah 5:30 Isaiah 10:12 Isaiah 40:20 Jeremiah 6:1 Lamentations 3:50 Ezekiel 2:6 Ezekiel 3:9 Ezekiel 8:3 Ezekiel 11:1 Ezekiel 18:12 Ezekiel 21:21 Ezekiel 34:12 Ezekiel 40:6 Ezekiel 43:1 Ezekiel 44:1 Ezekiel 46:1 Ezekiel 46:12 Ezekiel 47:2 Daniel 3:25 Nahum 2:8 Subtopics Related Terms |