In the biblical narrative, the distinction between God's criteria and human criteria is a recurring theme that underscores the divine perspective versus human understanding. This contrast is evident in various scriptural accounts, where God's ways and thoughts are shown to be higher than those of humans (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Divine Perspective:

1. Heart Over Appearance:
One of the clearest examples of God's criteria is found in the selection of David as king. When Samuel was sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, he initially considered Eliab based on his appearance and stature. However, God corrected Samuel, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This passage highlights that God values the inner character and heart of a person over external attributes.

2. Faith and Obedience:
God's criteria often emphasize faith and obedience over human wisdom or strength. In the account of Gideon, God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that Israel would recognize that their victory was due to divine intervention, not human might (Judges 7:2-7). This demonstrates that God prioritizes reliance on Him and obedience to His commands over numerical or physical superiority.

3. Humility and Servanthood:
Jesus Christ exemplified God's criteria through His teachings and actions. In the Beatitudes, He blessed the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:3-6). Furthermore, Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom is measured by humility and servanthood: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27).

Human Perspective:

1. External Appearances:
Humans often judge based on external appearances and societal standards. This is evident in the account of Saul, who was chosen as king by the people of Israel partly because he was "a head taller than any of the others" (1 Samuel 9:2). However, Saul's reign was marked by disobedience to God, illustrating the limitations of human criteria.

2. Worldly Wisdom and Power:
Human criteria frequently prioritize worldly wisdom and power. The Apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the Corinthians, stating, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" (1 Corinthians 1:25). Paul emphasized that God often chooses what is foolish and weak in the world to shame the wise and strong, thereby upending human expectations (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

3. Self-Exaltation:
Human criteria can also be characterized by self-exaltation and pride. The Tower of Babel is a prime example, where humanity sought to make a name for themselves by building a tower to the heavens (Genesis 11:4). God disrupted their plans, demonstrating that human ambition and pride are contrary to His purposes.

Conclusion:

The Bible consistently reveals that God's criteria are rooted in spiritual truths and eternal values, contrasting sharply with human criteria that often focus on temporal and superficial aspects. This divine perspective calls believers to align their values with God's, seeking to understand and live by His standards as revealed in Scripture.