Key Text: 2 Samuel 14:25 KJV - But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

In his day, Absalom was the most beautiful in Israel. As far as the eyes of men could see, there was no blemish in him. But he was like a whited sepulchre which indeed appeared beautiful on the outward but full of hypocrisy and iniquity within. As revealed by the Spirit of the Lord he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Absalom did not have the fear of God but all Israel was deceived to praise him because of his vain beauty.

Although handsome, Absalom was a murderer who did not have the fear of God. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised - Proverbs 31:30. Unnoticed by all that saw him, he was proud, crafty, sanctimonious and deceitful. Through deceit, he stole the hearts of the men of Israel and turned them against King David, his father. He craved the praise and attention of men.

The Lord sees not as a man; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. It is therefore more rewarding to invest more time and effort in dressing the hidden man of the heart with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is of great price in the sight of God. Always examine yourself to make sure that your heart is right with God.

Prayer: O Lord, purge me of every uncleanness and beautify me with holiness and righteousness, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? - Jeremiah 17:9.