Day 4 – 1 Samuel 16:7 Part 2

Scripture Review

Today's study we continue in 1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

In this passage, “heart” means the inner man—the thoughts, desires, motives, and will that God sees perfectly. People can judge only what appears on the outside, but the LORD knows what is taking place within us.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Paul Says:

Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

It's amazing how when you have children that are older, you are able to see immediately who they shouldn't date. It's like you can sense the heart of an individual by their first impression. However, when I was younger (not too long ago) I remember my niece specifically telling me not to get involved with a certain person. I didn't listen of course, but she turned out to be correct.

I know this is different from the passage but it reminds me there are things about others, we don't see. There are things about ourself we don't see. Or at least for me that's true. It helps me better understand why later David pens the words:

Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psa 139:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.