1 Samuel 16:7 - The Heart of the Matter
The Lord Looks at the Heart
In 1 Samuel 16:7, we find a powerful reminder of God's perspective on human evaluation. This verse says:
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" (NKJV)
Here, God corrects Samuel's misconception about what makes a person worthy of being the next king of Israel. Samuel is impressed by Eliab, one of Jesse's sons, but God rejects him. Why? Because God's evaluation is not based on physical appearance or external characteristics, but on the condition of the heart.
The Difference Between Human and Divine Evaluation
Man tends to evaluate people based on superficial qualities: physical appearance, social status, wealth, or talent. We often judge others by what we can see on the outside, but God looks beyond the surface level. He peers into the depths of our hearts, where our true intentions, motivations, and character are revealed.
The heart, as the Scripture says, is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9). It is easy to put on a mask, to pretend to be someone we're not, or to hide our true intentions. But God sees right through our facade. He knows our deepest fears, desires, and motivations.
The Importance of a Pure Heart
So, what does it mean to have a heart that pleases God? It means having a heart that is:
- Pure: free from ulterior motives, hypocrisy, and deceit
- Humility: recognizing our dependence on God and our limitations
- Sincere: genuine in our words and actions
- Faithful: trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty
A heart that is pleasing to God is one that is surrendered to His will, submitted to His authority, and faithful to His Word. It is a heart that recognizes its own sinful nature and seeks to be transformed by the power of God.
Conclusion
1 Samuel 16:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's perspective on human evaluation. It challenges us to look beyond the surface level and to examine our own hearts. As we seek to follow God, may we remember that it is the heart that truly matters, and may we strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to Him.
