How to Evaluate a Person? 1 Samuel 16:7

 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

"But the Lord said to 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.’"

#1 Even Samuel Needed God's Guidance

When the Prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a new king, he initially judged by outward appearance. Even a great prophet needed God’s guidance to see beyond what human eyes perceive. This reminds us that wisdom does not come from personal judgment alone but from seeking the Lord. If Samuel needed God’s direction, how much more do we?

The lesson here is that anyone, regardless of their intelligence or experience, can do extraordinary things if they rely on God for guidance and help.

#2 Evaluating a Person – It’s About the Heart

Since we cannot see a person’s heart like God does, how do we discern true character? The heart is revealed through:

• Character – Values, principles, and consistency.
• Mindset – Wisdom, knowledge, and aspirations.
• Resilience – The ability to remain calm under stress.

Both biblical wisdom and classical philosophy provide insights into character evaluation:

Sun Zi’s Five Attributes of a True Leader:

1. Wisdom (智) – Sound judgment and understanding.
2. Trustworthiness (信) – Integrity and reliability.
3. Love (仁) – Compassion and care for others.
4. Guts (勇) – Courage in difficult situations.
5. Discipline (严) – Self-control and orderliness.

Mencius’ Concept of a "True Gentleman" (大丈夫):

In Mencius’ view, a "true gentleman" (大丈夫) is someone who possesses awe-inspiring moral integrity (浩然之气), a fearless spirit, and a strong sense of responsibility. He believes that a true gentleman is not defined by external appearance but by inner moral cultivation and strength of character.

The Principles of Mencius’ "True Gentleman"

• A true gentleman does not judge by rank or power, but acts according to the principles of benevolence (仁), righteousness (义), and propriety (礼).
• A true gentleman embodies a fearless spirit, willing to stand firm even against overwhelming opposition (“Even if ten thousand stand against me, I shall go forward” – 虽千万人，吾往矣).
• A true gentleman embraces a strong sense of responsibility, believing "If I do not take the lead in bringing order to the world, who else will?" (如欲平治天下，当今之世，舍我其谁也).
• A true gentleman possesses awe-inspiring moral integrity (浩然之气), a righteous and unyielding spirit.

A person of true character:

• Cannot be corrupted by wealth or status.
• Cannot be swayed by poverty or hardship.
• Cannot be subdued by force or power.
• Acts according to righteousness rather than seeking personal gain.

#3 How Can We Tell?

Since we cannot see the heart directly, a person’s actions over time reveal their true nature. Ancient wisdom offers practical ways to observe character:

The Eight Observations (八观)

• When one is in a position of influence, observe whom they respect. (通则观其所礼)
• When one is in power, observe whom they promote. (贵则观其所进)
• When one is wealthy, observe whom they support. (富则观其所养)
• When one is listening, observe how they act. (听则观其所行)
• When one is at rest, observe what they love. (止则观其所好)
• When one is learning, observe what they say. (习则观其所言)
• When one is in poverty, observe what they refuse to accept. (穷则观其所不受)
• When one is in a lowly position, observe what they refuse to do. (贱则观其所不为)

The Six Tests (六验)

• Test a person's integrity by offering them joy. (喜之以验其守)
• Test a person's uprightness by indulging them in pleasure. (乐之以验其僻)
• Test a person's self-control by provoking their anger. (怒之以验其节)
• Test a person's composure by instilling fear. (惧之以验其持)
• Test a person's true nature by subjecting them to sorrow. (哀之以验其人)
• Test a person's determination by putting them through hardship. (苦之以验其志)

Jesus also taught that a person is known by the fruit of their life:
"By their fruit, you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew 7:16-17)

#4 The Best Way – Ask God

Since people change based on circumstances like wealth, power, and hardship, human judgment alone is unreliable. That is why we must ultimately ask God for wisdom and discernment in evaluating others and ourselves.

James 1:5 reminds us:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

#5 Don't Use People – Be a Blessing to Others

Instead of seeing people as instruments for our benefit, we should ask:

• How can I help others grow?
• How can I mentor and encourage?
• How can I build people up rather than use them for my own gain?

Jesus set the ultimate example by serving rather than seeking to be served. If we want to evaluate others properly, we must first cultivate a heart of love and service ourselves.

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Application Questions:

1. Do I judge people by their appearance, achievements, or social status?
2. How do I react in times of joy, hardship, or fear? What does this reveal about my own character?
3. Am I actively seeking God's guidance in discerning the people I trust and follow?
4. How can I be a mentor, helper, or encourager in someone else’s life today?

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A Short Prayer:

"Lord, give me the wisdom to see beyond appearances and discern the true heart of a person. Help me not to judge by status or outward success, but by character and righteousness. May I seek Your guidance in every relationship and be a blessing to others, just as Christ has been a blessing to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

p.s. This devotion was done with the help of ChatGPT.