What does the Bible say about appearance?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that outward appearance matters less than the condition of the heart, yet believers should present themselves with modesty, dignity, and gratitude to God. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God warns against judging merely by what is seen, for He looks on the heart; Jesus likewise condemns outward righteousness that conceals inward sin in Matthew 23:28. Proverbs 31:30 calls charm and beauty fleeting compared with fearing the Lord. Because people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and wonderfully formed (Psalms 139:14), appearance should not become a source of pride, shame, or harsh judgment. Christians honor God bodily and in all they do (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:17).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Samuel 16:7
But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Yahweh sees] not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
- Psalms 139:14
I will give thanks to you, For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
- Matthew 23:28
Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
- John 7:24
Don't judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
- Genesis 1:27
God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.
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