How do we know the true nature of a person? Typically, it is by the person’s words and actions. The same is true for children. Proverbs 20:11 shows us that a child reveals himself to us by his acts. Your children’s behaviors will manifest to you their true character. Are you observing them closely?
Another version of this verse in Proverbs is The Passion Translation: “All children show what they’re really like by how they act. You can discern their character, whether they are pure or perverse.” When children are young is the critical time to mold their character. If you catch a child telling a lie, you should address that behavior right away. Many people do not, but instead believe that the child who tells a lie is being cute or funny. If you catch a child taking something that does not belong to him, you should address that right away as well. To allow a child to take something that is not his and keep it, is signaling to the child that it is acceptable to take what is not his. Another objectionable behavior is hitting and bullying another child. Aggressive physical behavior can start from a young age and should never be tolerated.
There are many other instances of behavior that parents and other adults in the lives of children should not ignore or condone. It starts from young too. Being diligent in observing our children’s behavior and taking quick corrective action is vital to our children’s well-being.
At the website calvarychapeljonesboro.org, there is the following commentary on this verse that I would like to share:
A child needs is to be trained that God's Word is what determines what is pure and right. Then the child needs to be trained in how to walk in this world in a way that pleases and honors the Lord. Oh, what a blessing such a child is to the world around him when he or she is trained in this manner. Oh, what blessings will surround and flow forth from such a child.
To read the entire commentary please visit: