Topical Bible: Children: Character of, Known by Conduct

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In the Bible, children are often depicted as a reflection of their upbringing and environment, with their character being discernible through their conduct. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how the behavior of children reveals their inner character and the values instilled in them.

Obedience and Respect

One of the primary characteristics expected of children in the Bible is obedience to their parents. This is seen as a fundamental aspect of their conduct, reflecting their respect for authority and adherence to divine commandments. Ephesians 6:1-3 states, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage underscores the importance of obedience as a marker of a child's character, promising blessings for those who adhere to this command.

Wisdom and Foolishness

The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and foolish behavior of children, indicating that their actions are a reflection of their character. Proverbs 20:11 notes, "Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright." This suggests that children, even from a young age, reveal their character through their actions, whether they are wise or foolish. Proverbs 22:15 further states, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." This highlights the need for guidance and correction to shape a child's character positively.

Truthfulness and Deceit

Truthfulness is another key aspect of a child's character as depicted in the Bible. Honest conduct is highly valued, while deceit is condemned. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Children who exhibit honesty in their conduct are seen as reflecting a righteous character, pleasing to God.

Kindness and Compassion

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion in the conduct of children. These traits are indicative of a character aligned with God's love and mercy. In Colossians 3:12 , believers are encouraged to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." While this exhortation is directed at all believers, it is particularly pertinent to children, whose conduct can be a powerful testament to their character when they embody these virtues.

Discipline and Self-Control

Discipline and self-control are essential elements of a child's character, as reflected in their conduct. Hebrews 12:11 states, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This passage highlights the long-term benefits of discipline in shaping a child's character, leading to righteous conduct and inner peace.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive view of how the character of children is known by their conduct. Through obedience, wisdom, truthfulness, kindness, and discipline, children reflect the values and teachings they have received, offering a glimpse into their inner character as shaped by their upbringing and faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Identity of Christ's Character.
... and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his ... he used in declaring his own
character, and his ... that they should not make him known." Another instance ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv identity of christs.htm

What Occurred to Romanus on the Same Day at Antioch...
... of the churches, he beheld many men, with women and children, going up in ... in the
present case is much more in accord with Galerius' character, as known to us ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii what occurred to.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... it is a painful but well known fact that ... yet there are certain defects of character
which are ... parents cannot afford to encourage their children in associating ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... The value of all our comforts is best known by experience ... "Leave thy fatherless children,
and I ... Those of this character when they find themselves destitute of ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

False Prophets
... fear of hurting their custom or their character, allow them ... these men, the preachers
may be known, by those ... John, 'Little children, let no man deceive you: he ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xiii false prophets.htm

Adonijah
... Probably few men have known domestic sorrows, so many and so ... that the future
well-being of children depends largely ... of being left to chance, character had been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... head of a nation, numbers of which were children of Belial ... David's well known
character"the nature of renewing grace; and the temper and conduct of this ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... Christ is Glorious"Let Us Make Him Known. ... Let the children of Zion he joyful in their
King, for ... Notice that the reign of Jesus is practical in its character. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... backslider because it is not his predominant character, yet he ... from the things which
he has known, and felt ... good." They would not bring up their children as you ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... degrees beyond all proportion to the known value of ... deceit of another kind in persons
of another character. ... under the notion of becoming little children, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm