Interpretation of the Bible / 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse takes place in the story of Samuel choosing King David. Samuel, in search of a successor to King Saul, visits Jesse's family and meets his seven sons. Samuel is attracted to Eliab, the oldest and tallest son, but God tells Samuel not to judge by appearances but to look within.

This verse presents an important dual perspective: on the one hand, the need to overcome the limitations of superficial appearances, and on the other hand, the importance of the heart in our relationship with God and in life in general.

It is easy to judge people by how they look on the outside. But it is important to remember that while appearances may be attractive, they are not what best defines a person. As the verse says, God looks at the heart, that is, at one’s goodness, character, values, and virtues.

Often in our quest for happiness and self-fulfillment we focus on meeting standards of beauty and material success, but it is important to remember the inner beauty that every person possesses and that cannot be measured by physical, social or cultural standards.