Two Sides to Every Coin
Here’s what you will notice about the character of men:
He may look bad and be bad – Dan 8:23-25; 11:21. The antichrist will be of fierce countenance and he will be very bad, indeed. Nevertheless, he will flatter the people and thus obtain the kingdom. But all his talk of peace will only deceive the people to look beyond his fierce countenance and consider him to be good. Yet, they will learn that what they see is what they get.
He may look bad and be good – Is 53:2-3; 52:14. Jesus Christ had no form or comeliness and no beauty that we should desire him and yet he was and still is the best man that ever lived or ever will. Of course, his countenance will be much different the next time anyone sees him, Rev 1:16.
He may look good and be bad – 2 Sam 14:25. Absalom was praised for his beauty but he was a terrible man. The devil was perfect in beauty, Ezek 28:12, 17, but you know how bad he really is. Deceivers often trick you with a fair countenance and good words. Beware!!
He may look good and be good – 1 Sam 16:12. And yet even he committed adultery and murdered the husband of the woman with whom he slept, 1 Sam 25:3. Abigail had a beautiful countenance but she was also of good understanding. Dan 1:15, Daniel was a good man and his countenance was good.
Conclusion: Just as there are two sides to every coin, so there are two sides to every man. You are going to have to know a lot more about a person than how he presents himself before you will know whether he is good or bad.