What does the Bible say about our appearance?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that our appearance matters chiefly as an expression of reverence, modesty, and honest character, while God gives greatest weight to the heart. God made humanity in his image, and Psalm 139:14 invites grateful wonder at his workmanship. Yet 1 Samuel 16:7 warns against judging by outward appearance, and 1 Peter 3:3-4 and Proverbs 31:30 commend the imperishable beauty of a gentle, godly spirit over mere adornment. Christians should dress modestly and fittingly, as 1 Timothy 2:9 teaches, avoiding vanity, deception, and outward religion that conceals sin, as Matthew 23:28 warns. Our bodies and presentation belong under Christ's lordship, reflecting humble gratitude rather than self-exaltation.
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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 Peter 3:3-4
[3] Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; [4] but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.
- Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
- 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;
- Genesis 1:27
God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- 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.
- 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.
- Matthew 23:28
Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
- James 1:23
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror;
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