Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5173 outward appearance

5173 outward appearance

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5125 Parts of the body and clothing » 5173 outward appearance

That which is visible on the outside may reveal the true person, but is sometimes misleading. Judging by it and boasting in it are typical of sinful humanity. God sees the inner reality.

Outward appearance can reveal the truth

Spiritually

Matthew 7:16-20 pp Luke 6:43-45 See also Matthew 5:16; Matthew 12:33-37; John 15:8; James 2:17-18

Emotionally

Proverbs 15:13 See also 1 Samuel 1:16-18; Proverbs 17:22; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Daniel 5:5-6; Mark 10:22

Outward appearance can be deceptive

Matthew 23:25-28 See also Isaiah 29:13; Isaiah 53:2-3; Matthew 7:15; Luke 11:39-41; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Colossians 2:23; Hebrews 13:2

While people may judge by outward appearance, God does not

People take note of outward appearance

John 7:23-24 See also Luke 16:14-15; John 8:15; 2 Corinthians 10:7; James 2:1-4; Revelation 3:17

God looks at the heart

1 Samuel 16:6-7 See also 1 Kings 8:39 pp 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalm 139:1-2; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2; Isaiah 11:3-5; Luke 16:15; Galatians 2:6; Revelation 2:23

The folly of boasting in outward appearance

Luke 20:45-47 See also Matthew 6:2,5,16; 2 Corinthians 5:12; Galatians 6:12

What is unseen is more important than outward appearance

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 See also Psalm 51:6; Psalm 147:10-11; Romans 2:28-29

Beautiful physical appearance

Examples of the problems and opportunities caused by beautiful outward appearance

Genesis 12:11-15 Sarah's beauty led to Abraham's folly; Genesis 39:6-7 Joseph's handsome appearance led to his being tempted by Potiphar's wife; 1 Samuel 9:2; Samuel 16:12; Samuel 25:3; 2 Samuel 11:2-3 Bathsheba's beauty tempted David; 2 Samuel 14:25-26; Esther 1:10-11; Esther 2:7 Esther's beauty was an opportunity for God.

The cultivation of inner beauty encouraged

1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10