A bad example

(William S. Plumer, "The Ten Commandments")

"In everything he followed the example of
 his father." 2 Kings 14:3

Children are the most imitative creatures in the world.

Parents should so walk before their children as that
they may safely follow in their footsteps. Set a good
example in all things. He who delivers good precepts,
scatters good seed. He who adds good example,
ploughs in that seed.

A bad example will destroy the good which might be
expected from sound instruction. "Do as I say--and not
as I do," is a sentence which converts the best teaching
into poison, and dreadfully hardens the heart.

Precepts give the theory, but example instills principle.

Words impart notions, but example carries conviction.

You need special wisdom and grace to preserve you from
error, and sin, and folly. If you practice any sin before
your child--you cannot fail to teach him to do the same.

"In everything he followed the example of
 his father." 2 Kings 14:3