1 Samuel 16:7

Hebrew Aleppo Codex Bible

ז ויאמר יהוה אל שמואל אל תבט אל מראהו ואל גבה קומתו--כי מאסתיהו  כי לא אשר יראה האדם--כי האדם יראה לעינים ויהוה יראה ללבב

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking to Samuel and telling him not to judge people based on their looks or size. Instead, God values what's inside a person's heart. The key message is that God sees beyond outward appearances.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're picking a friend at school. God is telling us that we shouldn't choose a friend just because they're tall or have cool shoes. He wants us to look at what's inside their heart and how kind they are.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 1 Samuel, written during the time of the Israelite monarchy around 1000 BCE. It was likely written by a prophet or scribe and intended for the Israelites to understand God's perspective on judging people.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can remind us not to judge someone's worth based on their looks or status. For example, in a workplace, we should evaluate a colleague's performance and character rather than their appearance or connections.

Topics

• judgment
• character
• faith
• God's perspective
• heart
• outward appearance

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 16:11
• 1 Kings 19:10
• Luke 16:15
• 1 Peter 3:3-4
• James 2:5

Recommended Reading

Commentary 1 Samuel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Aleppo Codex Bible Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in 1 Samuel 16:7?

God is speaking to Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, telling him not to judge by outward appearances.

What is the main lesson from this verse?

The main lesson is that God values a person's heart and character over their outward appearance or status.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

It reminds us to look beyond how people appear and to value them for who they truly are inside, encouraging us to judge people by their character rather than their looks or status.

Can you give an example of applying this verse in a real-life situation?

In a job interview, an employer might consider a candidate's skills, experience, and character over their physical appearance or social status, reflecting the principle that God values the heart over outward appearances.