Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Appearance

Created:
February 9, 2025
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Updated:
February 19, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

How we look matters to many of us. But what does the Bible say about appearance?

This article brings together 50 Bible verses that touch on appearance. These verses offer insights and reflections on how we see ourselves and others.

50 Bible Verses About Appearance

10 Bible Verses on Inner vs. Outer Appearance

1 Samuel 16:7
  • "But 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.'" — 1 Samuel 16:7
  • "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." — Proverbs 31:30
  • "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." — Matthew 23:27-28
  • "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." — 2 Corinthians 4:16
  • "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." — Galatians 6:15
  • "Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." — 1 Peter 3:3-4
  • "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality." — James 2:1
  • "For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." — Isaiah 53:2
  • "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." — 1 Timothy 2:9-10
  • "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." — 1 John 2:15-17

10 Bible Verses on Beauty and Modesty

Song of Solomon 4:7
  • "You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you." — Song of Solomon 4:7
  • "For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror." — 1 Peter 3:5-6
  • "As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion." — Proverbs 11:22
  • "Then one of the servants answered and said, 'Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.'" — 1 Samuel 16:18
  • "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end." — Ecclesiastes 3:11
  • "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  • "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." — 1 Timothy 4:8
  • "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians 3:2
  • "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." — 1 Peter 3:1-2
  • "Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." — Proverbs 31:25

10 Bible Verses on God's Creation and Appearance

Genesis 1:27
  • "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:27
  • "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." — Psalm 139:14
  • "But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand." — Isaiah 64:8
  • "Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; yet You would destroy me. Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?" — Job 10:8-9
  • "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" — Matthew 6:28-30
  • "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10
  • "For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor." — Psalm 8:5
  • "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." — Genesis 1:31
  • "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." — Romans 1:20
  • "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." — Colossians 1:16

10 Bible Verses on True Beauty Defined

1 Peter 3:4
  • "Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." — 1 Peter 3:4
  • "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." — Proverbs 31:30
  • "But 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.'" — 1 Samuel 16:7
  • "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23
  • "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8
  • "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." — Matthew 5:8
  • "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." — 1 John 3:2
  • "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." — Philippians 4:8
  • "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." — Romans 12:2

10 Bible Verses on Appearance and Character

Proverbs 22:1
  • "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold." — Proverbs 22:1
  • "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?" — Matthew 7:16
  • "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." — Luke 6:45
  • "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." — 1 Timothy 6:11
  • "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." — 2 Peter 1:5-7
  • "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." — James 3:17
  • "As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man." — Proverbs 27:19
  • "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" — 1 Corinthians 15:33
  • "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." — Ephesians 4:1
  • "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:12-14

What Does the Bible Say About Appearance

The Bible offers a lot of wisdom on the topic of appearance. It reminds us that while outer beauty can be appealing, it is the inner self that truly matters. These teachings encourage us to look beyond the surface and focus on the heart and character of a person. By reflecting on these verses, we can find guidance on how to live a life that values inner beauty over outward appearances.

One key theme is the contrast between inner and outer appearance. Verses like 1 Samuel 16:7 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 emphasize that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. This teaches us to prioritize inner qualities like kindness and humility over physical looks.

Another important theme is beauty and modesty. Proverbs 31:30 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10 highlight that true beauty comes from a gentle and quiet spirit, not from expensive clothes or jewelry. This encourages us to focus on developing a beautiful character rather than just looking good on the outside.

The Bible also speaks about God's creation and our appearance. Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:14 remind us that we are made in God's image and are wonderfully made. This can help us appreciate our unique qualities and see ourselves as valuable creations of God.

Lastly, the Bible defines true beauty as being rooted in character. Verses like Proverbs 22:1 and Colossians 3:12-14 show that qualities like love, kindness, and humility are what make a person truly beautiful. By cultivating these traits, we can reflect God's love and grace in our lives.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Appearance

Applying the Bible's teachings on appearance to daily life can help us focus on what truly matters. These verses guide us to value inner beauty and character over outward looks.

  • Start your day with a prayer asking God to help you see others as He does, focusing on their hearts rather than their appearance.
  • Practice kindness and humility in your interactions. Compliment others on their character traits, not just their looks.
  • Dress modestly and focus on inner qualities like gentleness and patience. This can be a daily reminder of what true beauty is.
  • Join a community group or Bible study to discuss and reflect on these verses. Sharing insights can strengthen your understanding and application.
  • Set aside time each week to meditate on verses like 1 Samuel 16:7 and Proverbs 31:30. Reflect on how you can embody these teachings in your life.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding you to become the best version of yourself. Trust in His presence and let your faith transform your heart and actions.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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