ODB: The Heart of the Matter
September 21, 2026
READ: 1 Samuel 16:6-12
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
On a teaching trip to Moscow, I decided to take the subway to get lunch. Standing in the subway car, I started whistling simply because I felt good after an enjoyable morning teaching and the day was pleasant. The passengers stared at me like I was insane. When I got back to the school, I told one of the office workers that the people were so discouraged and downhearted they stared when I whistled. She politely informed me, “Yes, their lives are very hard, but that isn’t why they stared. They stared because it’s rude to whistle in public here.”
When we make assumptions, we base them on external factors that may not have any bearing on the moment. It’s helpful to recall the story of David’s selection as future king of Israel. As the prophet Samuel considered Jesse’s eldest son, he thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord” (1 Samuel 16:6). But God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7).
Basing judgments on appearances will lead to wrong conclusions. We do well to let God do the judging. He sees the heart of the matter.
— Bill Crowder
How do you feel when someone makes wrong assumptions about you? Why is it so easy to make assumptions about others?
Wise Father, please forgive me for judging people’s motives when I don’t know the truth about their hearts. Help me to entrust such judgments to You.
Source: Our Daily Bread
