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1 Samuel 16:7 - Appearance versus Character.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) But the LORD said to 
Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the 
height of his stature, because I have refused him. 
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man 
looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD 
looks at the heart." 

INTRODUCTION

God judges by faith and character, not 
appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, 
only he can accurately judge people. Most people 
spend hours each week maintaining their outward 
appearance; they should do even more to develop their 
inner character. While everyone can see your face, 
only you and God know what your heart really 
looks like. What steps are you taking to improve 
your heart's attitude? [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   "This diamond is from my grandmother's 
wedding ring." I handed the heirloom to the jeweler. 
"My aunt had it reset in this contemporary 
design, but I'd like a vintage setting reflective of 
the year my grandparents were married, 1929." 
   The jeweler peered through a loupe to 
inspect the stone. "This diamond is over one hundred 
years old," she said. "Gemcutters stopped cutting 
like this in 1918." She explained the bottom was 
flat instead of pointed like modern stones, so it 
didn't sparkle as brilliantly as it could if it 
were faceted rather than flat. 
   Oh no! Was the diamond worthless? The 
jeweler must have sensed my concern. She assured me 
the stone was unique, complimenting its color 
and clarity, even as she spotted inclusions 
beneath the surface that I couldn't see. Then she 
recommended a lovely white gold filigree setting, cast 
from an original 1920s wedding ring. It was 
perfect. 
   Unlike the jeweler, Jesus doesn't need a 
loupe to see the inclusions hidden by my outward 
sparkle. He knows the history that shaped me, the 
brokenness that colors me, and the imperfections that 
cloud my clarity. But Jesus doesn't call me 
flawed. He calls me redeemed. I have great value to 
Him. 
   I'm a gem He is polishing, a light in the 
darkness. I want to shine brilliantly for Him. Karen 
Sargent 
   Faith Step: Ask Jesus to inspect your 
heart and reveal what He sees. Identify facets 
that have lost their luster and choose one. What 
do you need so that facet can shine brighter 
for Him? [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs