Unsightliness, in a biblical context, often refers to that which is unattractive or displeasing to the eye, and it can carry both physical and spiritual connotations. The Bible addresses the concept of unsightliness in various ways, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and the dangers of focusing solely on outward appearances.

Physical Unsightliness

In the Old Testament, physical unsightliness is sometimes associated with illness or deformity. For example, in Leviticus, the laws concerning leprosy describe the physical manifestations of the disease, which rendered a person ceremonially unclean and often led to social isolation (Leviticus 13-14). The unsightliness of leprosy was not merely a matter of appearance but also a symbol of impurity and separation from the community.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant, a messianic figure, who is described as having "no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him" (Isaiah 53:2). This passage highlights the idea that true significance and worth are not determined by physical appearance but by one's role and purpose in God's plan.

Spiritual Unsightliness

The Bible frequently contrasts physical beauty with spiritual unsightliness, warning against the dangers of focusing on external appearances while neglecting the heart. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord instructs Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This verse underscores the biblical principle that God values inner character over outward appearance.

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" . Here, Jesus condemns the spiritual unsightliness of hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and sincerity.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The concept of unsightliness extends beyond physical appearance to encompass moral and ethical behavior. Proverbs 11:22 states, "Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion" . This proverb illustrates the idea that true beauty is marred by a lack of wisdom and moral integrity.

The Apostle Peter advises believers to focus on inner beauty, writing, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight" (1 Peter 3:3-4). This passage encourages Christians to cultivate virtues that reflect God's character, rather than prioritizing external appearances.

Conclusion

The Bible's treatment of unsightliness serves as a reminder of the transient nature of physical beauty and the enduring value of spiritual integrity. By emphasizing the importance of inner character and the dangers of superficial judgments, Scripture calls believers to seek a beauty that is pleasing to God, rooted in righteousness and humility.

Of all the Parts of the Body.
... of the body, and pointed it into a tail, that the parts of the body which are offensive
might either be covered on account of their unsightliness, or be ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap vii of all the parts.htm

St. Ambrose Explains that He is not Speaking against Marriage...
... What truer witness to thy unsightliness do we require, O woman, than thyself who
art afraid to be seen? If thou art beautiful, why hidest thou thyself? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose explains.htm

Our Death.
... A corpse may be embalmed, stuffed with herbs, and encased as a mummy. Its
corruption is invisible, all unsightliness carefully concealed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvi our death.htm

Unsightliness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unsightliness (1 Occurrence). Job 33:21 His flesh
is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones ...
/u/unsightliness.htm - 6k

Unskilful (1 Occurrence)

/u/unskilful.htm - 6k

Unshrunk (2 Occurrences)

/u/unshrunk.htm - 7k

Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... a pigment to obscure the whiteness of an opaque cornea (for which Indian ink tattooing
has been recommended, not as a cure but to remove the unsightliness of a ...
/b/blindness.htm - 19k

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