It is hardly true that "things are not always what they appear". Things are never exactly what they appear. Situations are far too complicated for all their facets to appear ... on the surface. People are always, at least somewhat, different in public than at home and even more different in their heart of hearts than even there. Only God and they know their true self. That is why Jesus cautioned us, "Judge not, that ye be not judged". Matt.7:1. The Judging person will always judge either too harshly or too leniently ... but never exactly accurately.
We are all complicated and uniquely designed, widely and variably experienced, and each exposed to millions of differing environments and associations, thoughts and responses.
Of necessity we must draw certain personal conclusions and suppositions of situations and of people, in order to make decisions. But human surmisings are never quite on target and must, therefore, be controlled lest they become unjust, suspicious and "evil surmisings". "He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings ...." 1 Tim.6:4.
It happened to Jesus. He was mistrusted, then suspected, then rumored, then accused of being a "glutton", of being a "drunkard", of being allied with "evil" associates, and finally of being possessed of the devil and was crazy....
Matthew 11:19 "The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners." It got worse in John 10:20 "And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?"
All of these accusations, no doubt, played a part in the public outcry that Jesus be executed. Now, how do you suppose God judged those judgers of Jesus?
We must be very careful about suspicions, "gossip" and "evil surmisings". This means guarding our thoughts, our tongues .... and our ears, against hearing, thinking or gossiping about others. The consequences are far too destructive and we shall give an account for "evil surmisings", and "gossip" to our great judge. Each of us has control or what we think and say to the detriment of others. RB
"And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." 1 Cor.14:32.
