Even a child's behavior reveals real character, so small choices should be taken seriously as the early shape of an adult life.
Proverbs 20:11 looks at the early formation of character: It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right (v. 11). The verse asks parents and elders to take a child's small choices seriously.
Even a lad reveals his character through his behavior. The verse pushes back against the assumption that childhood is a moral blank slate refined or ruined later. Children act out of who they already are, and a discerning observer can see real character forming early.
A child whose conduct is pure and right is already showing the marks of a life that will bear good fruit. Solomon offers an indirect comfort to faithful parents and a sober warning to those who treat their child's small choices as nothing. Small choices are the early shape of an adult life.
Proverbs 20:11
11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself
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Proverbs 20:11 meaning
Proverbs 20:11 looks at the early formation of character: It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right (v. 11). The verse asks parents and elders to take a child's small choices seriously.
Even a lad reveals his character through his behavior. The verse pushes back against the assumption that childhood is a moral blank slate refined or ruined later. Children act out of who they already are, and a discerning observer can see real character forming early.
A child whose conduct is pure and right is already showing the marks of a life that will bear good fruit. Solomon offers an indirect comfort to faithful parents and a sober warning to those who treat their child's small choices as nothing. Small choices are the early shape of an adult life.