Beautiful People

Read 1 Samuel 16:1–17:58

1. Now the Lord said to Samuel, . . .“Fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.” . . .
4. So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, . . .
10. all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.”
11. Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. . . . “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. . . .
12. So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”
13. So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil . . . and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. 1 Samuel 16:1, 4, 10-13

The world loves beautiful people. Teachers are more likely to call on attractive students in class and more likely to give them positive feedback. Employers are more likely to promote handsome or pretty employees. And people are more likely to like good-looking anybodies, to want their friendship, and even to envy them. They say that “Beauty is only skin deep,” but that’s as deep as most people seem to go.

This section of Scripture records a very significant event, the choosing of Israel’s second king. It raises the beauty question directly. At first, Samuel gets it wrong, but then God shows him a better way. As you read, learn how God looks at people.

This passage is home to other great lessons, too—when to put plans on hold, and fighting “giants.”

Saul was tall and handsome; he was an impressive-looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone (1 Samuel 16:7). God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. When people judge by outward appearances, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical characteristics that society admires. Appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like, or what their true value is.

Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearances. There’s nothing wrong with trying to look your best, but do you do as much to develop your inner character? While everyone can see your face, only your character determines how you will live and work and enjoy life. What steps can you take to improve your character?