Don’t Judge By Appearances

There is an old proverb that says, “Do not judge by appearances, a rich heart may be under a poor coat.” This is so such a true statement.

We are a society that is quick to judge the success of others based on external appearances. But I can’t think of a more foolish metric to utilize.

Some psychologists argue that it is natural for humans. Our unconscious mind starts from whatever objective data is available to us -usually spotty -and helps to shape and construct a more complete picture we consciously perceive.

But here’s the problem with that. We are terrible at it.

In fact, in one study, scientists asked students at a Chinese university to look at pictures of people and evaluate the personalities of the people in the pictures, and tell of five key personality characteristics. The students were wrong 80% of the time.

80% of the time they were unable to determine the personality or character of a person based solely on appearance.

External appearances are easy to manipulate. Symbols of success can be easily acquired by those who are not successful. And many successful people choose not to display their success with external symbols.

I know a young lady who is mentally handicapped. To look at her or listen to the way she talks, the first appearance of her would assume she is stupid. Many people judge her by this. Yet, she is the is the strongest kindest, compassionate personI know. She holds down a job, and helps pay the bills at her sister’s house. It breaks my heart that some people treat her as not very intelligent. Yet, when you take the time to talk to her, she is wiser than most anyone else in a room. And her heart is beautiful.

That’s the thing about judging by external appearances. Most people who try to impress you aren’t worth emulating. And those living the most meaningful lives have long since given up trying to impress you with a fancy coat.

1 Samual 16:7 tells of an account when, God 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 God looks at the heart.”

Maybe more people need to take this advice and start looking at people’s hearts instead of people’s faces, or the way they dress.