“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV). This verse comes as Samuel is choosing Israel’s next king, initially drawn to the most impressive-looking candidate.
God’s correction is direct. Outward appearance, the thing we naturally default to judging by, isn’t what God is actually evaluating.
This is worth remembering both in how we judge others and how we judge ourselves. Impressive appearances can mask an unprepared heart, and unremarkable appearances can hide real depth.
Where have you been evaluating someone, including yourself, primarily by outward appearance, when this verse redirects attention to the heart instead?