“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”[[349]]
In one moment, by the hasty, passionate, careless tongue, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime’s repentance can not undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends estranged, the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who might have brought help and healing!
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.”[[350]]
Cherish Self-Forgetfulness
One of the characteristics that should be especially cherished and cultivated in every child is that self-forgetfulness which imparts to the life such an unconscious grace. Of all excellences of character this is one of the most beautiful, and for every true life-work it is one of the qualifications most essential.
Humility; Dignity
Children need appreciation, sympathy, and encouragement, but care should be taken not to foster in them a love of praise. It is not wise to give them special notice, or to repeat before them their clever sayings. The parent or teacher who keeps in view the true ideal of character and the possibilities of achievement, can not cherish or encourage self-sufficiency. He will not encourage in the youth the desire or effort to display their ability or proficiency. He who looks higher than himself will be humble; yet he will possess a dignity that is not abashed or disconcerted by outward display or human greatness.
It is not by arbitrary law or rule that the graces of character are developed. It is by dwelling in the atmosphere of the pure, the noble, the true. And wherever there is purity of heart and nobleness of character, it will be revealed in purity and nobleness of action and of speech.
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend.”[[351]]
As with language, so with every other study; it may be so conducted that it will tend to the strengthening and upbuilding of character.