Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 20:11

by David Chadwick

“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”

Proverbs 20:11

All throughout Scripture, the importance of children and childlikeness is addressed. Psalm 127:3 says that children are a heritage from the Lord. In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus says to let the little children come to him and to not hinder them. He says that if we do not receive the kingdom of God like a child, we will not enter it.

In Proverbs 20:11, God’s Word says that “even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” In other words, there are certain principles in God’s economy that even a child can and should understand, one of which is how to have good conduct and act rightly.

Jesus does tell us not to judge and disparage people in Matthew 7:1. It is sinful to think of people with disdain and to immediately write them off and send them to hell in our minds. Rather, we are called to love people. Yes, even our enemies. And to bless those who curse us.

Yet, at the same time, we are called to rightly inspect and discern the fruit of people. To call things right versus wrong. To examine what they do in order to determine who they really are.

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus specifically addressed why this practice is so important when it comes to false teachers. He said that some false prophets “come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

But this practice is not just to be used with false teachers; it’s for all people. This is something parents should do as they observe potential peer influences on their kids. And they should teach their children to discern as well.

It’s something we should do as we choose our friends and close relationships. Our employees. A potential spouse. We all must become master observers of people’s actions and conduct and rightly discern if it’s pure and upright.

Wisdom is known by its acts. By its behavior. By what it does. Both among children and adults. Look at what people do along with what they say. Actions always prove beliefs.