A person can have the physical beauty and features of a model but without the wisdom that comes from the fear of God, their lives could easily tend towards destruction. Over the years, several celebrities and superstars with beauty, fame and talents have seen their lives go waste and eventually cut short because of a certain missing factor. Appearance is not enough to guarantee approval or progress.
In appointing Saul’s successor, Samuel’s first inclination was to nominate David’s good looking elder brother, Eliab, as king of Israel. However God stepped in to remind him of His divine standard of selection in 1 Samuel 16:7. The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Interestingly, Eliab failed to step up when Goliath turned up taunting Israel in 1 Samuel 17.
For those of us making the all-important choice of a life partner, it is imperative to look beyond physical appearance. There is something else needed for longevity and enduring happiness. The book of Proverbs likens a beautiful woman without discretion to a pig with gold jewellery. Discretion is the ability to discern what is right, befitting, or advisable for one’s own conduct. It is propriety of behaviour; civility, courtesy and cautious conduct; especially choosing to be silent when speech would be improper. Physical beauty without that kind of comportment that only Christ can give is vain and can turn a potentially beautiful home into a madhouse.
Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 11:14-23
YearOfExcellence
In appointing Saul’s successor, Samuel’s first inclination was to nominate David’s good looking elder brother, Eliab, as king of Israel. However God stepped in to remind him of His divine standard of selection in 1 Samuel 16:7. The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Interestingly, Eliab failed to step up when Goliath turned up taunting Israel in 1 Samuel 17.
For those of us making the all-important choice of a life partner, it is imperative to look beyond physical appearance. There is something else needed for longevity and enduring happiness. The book of Proverbs likens a beautiful woman without discretion to a pig with gold jewellery. Discretion is the ability to discern what is right, befitting, or advisable for one’s own conduct. It is propriety of behaviour; civility, courtesy and cautious conduct; especially choosing to be silent when speech would be improper. Physical beauty without that kind of comportment that only Christ can give is vain and can turn a potentially beautiful home into a madhouse.
Prayer:
Lord, grant me the wisdom to make life’s important choices based on enduring qualities.Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 11:14-23
YearOfExcellence
