What does the Bible say about outer appearance?
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The Bible teaches that God looks beyond outward appearance to the heart, calling his people to humble faith, holy character, and good works that flow from grace. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord contrasts human judgment by appearance with his knowledge of the heart. Peter and Paul encourage modesty and an inward beauty marked by reverence, self-control, and devotion to God rather than costly display (1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:9-10). Proverbs 31:30 reminds us that charm and beauty fade, but fearing the Lord endures. Jesus also warns that appearances can conceal falsehood, so believers should discern fruit and truth (Matthew 7:15).
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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.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10
[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; [10] but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
- Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
- 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;
- 1 Corinthians 6:9
Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,
- Luke 7:25
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
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