What does the Bible say about physical appearance?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that outward appearance has limited value, while God lovingly regards the heart and calls his people to reflect his character. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord contrasts human attention to appearance with his own sight of the heart. Because every person bears God's image, as Genesis 1:26-27 declares, physical bodies deserve dignity and care, but they must not become idols or measures of worth. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies to God and resist worldly patterns. Christians are to clothe themselves especially with compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and love, according to Colossians 3:12-14, remembering that gaining outward approval cannot compare with possessing one's soul in Christ.
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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."
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Genesis 1:27
God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.
- Genesis 1:26
God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
- Romans 14:1
Now receive one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
- James 1:26
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless.
- Colossians 3:12-14
[12] Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
- Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
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