1 Samuel 16:7

The Lord looketh on the heart. The “heart” refers to the intellect, the affections, and the will (Ps. 139:23; Matt. 12:34; etc.). It is the guiding factor in determining destiny, for as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). Free choice is essentially a matter of the intellect, but is often strongly influenced by the feelings and emotions. Within the limits of probationary time God invites men: “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18). He would have us become acquainted with Him and with His plan, for it is by beholding that we become changed (see 2 Cor. 3:18). God makes His appeal to the intellect. Outward appearances do not reveal the real motives of life, for ofttimes actions are misinterpreted. When Moses told the children of Israel, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart” (Deut. 6:5), he was thinking of the guiding influence brought to bear on the life through personal acquaintance with God. The fact that the disciples had seen God through associating intimately with Jesus (John 14:9) greatly strengthened them in their surrender to His plan for them. David had learned to know God as he watched over the sheep, and, though unrecognized by his brothers, this acquaintance made it possible for the Holy Spirit to lead him on from step to step.