“Inwardly, we ought to be different in every respect, but our outward dress should blend in with the crowd.”Seneca
In modern life, this Stoic idea can be applied by focusing on inner character development and personal values while maintaining a level of adaptability in social situations. For example, you can practice kindness and empathy towards others internally, but externally, you can still dress appropriately for a business meeting to fit in with professional norms without compromising your values.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
As the Bible verse highlights, God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. This aligns with the Stoic idea of focusing on inner character development and personal values, which is in line with the pillar of Justice - doing what is right regardless of external circumstances.