Authors spend thousands of dollars to get the perfect cover for their book. They know that if the image on the front is confusing, people won’t buy it. At the same time, millions of bad books have been purchased because they got the cover and the title right. The saying “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” goes way back before there were even pictures on books. It goes back to when they had long confusing titles. It would scare away readers. Jesus tells us the same principles when it comes to judging other people. Our judgment shouldn’t be on outward appearances but righteous principles.
John 7:24
“Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”
Judge the Heart
When Samuel was sent by God to anoint a new king in Israel, he was sent to the house of Jesse. Jesse had a lot of sons who all looked worthy of stepping into the role. As Samuel went down the line, God kept telling him no. Samuel asked, “Surely, this is the one,” and God replied you judge by outwards appearances by I judge the heart. So Samuel asked if there were any other sons and Jesse told him there was the youngest out in the fields with the sheep. As we all know that was David, the whom God had chosen. He had a pure heart before God, and Samuel anointed him.
Use the Right Standards
It is so easy to get caught up in how people look. Those who are considered beautiful have it easier in life because people treat them better. Those who aren’t attractive are ignored and looked down on. Looks can be deceiving. Those who wouldn’t get a second look are often the ones with the most character and personality. Jesus is telling us to make sure that when we are sizing someone up that we do it according to scripture. Is the person loving, quick to forgive, and patient, or are they rude, bitter, or obnoxious?
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Don’t judge a book by the cover because you may be missing out on a big blessing. God may send someone in your life who you wouldn’t give the time of day to because of their appearance, but they are precisely what you need in your life. Character will always be more important than the outer facade. Judge someone by their heart, and you will be pleasantly surprised.