BCIC Cautiousness Sample

Cautiousness Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

“Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.”

PROVERBS 19:2

ESTHER’S WISE AND TIMELY APPEAL “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me . . . . I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

ESTHER 4:16

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Giver

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Cautiousness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso­

6 Lesson 1:

Speak at the Right Time

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Esther’s Wise and Timely Appeal

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 29:11

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: “To Talk or Not to Talk” Bookmarks

also people in the Bible who are repre­

10 Lesson 2:

Be Willing to Wait

11 Bible Story: Noah Waits to Leave the Ark 12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 21:5 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3:

Think Before I Act

15 Bible Story: Peter’s Night of Regret 16 Memory Verse: Proverbs 19:2 17 Activity: Right Action, Right Time

18 Lesson 4:

Ask Permission

19 Bible Story: Nehemiah Seeks Permission 20 Memory Verse: James 4:5 21 Activity: When “Rain on My Parade” Is Good!

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Cautiousness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” 25 H ymn History: “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”

by William Whiting 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Cautiousness?

Read aloud and discuss what cautiousness means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of cautiousness is “know­ ing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.” A cautious person understands that right timing is crucial. For example, retrieving a base­ ball from the road for your brother is helpful, but if a car is approaching, that is not the right time to chase the ball! Cautiousness means that you first look carefully to make sure there is no foreseeable danger.

Then, if no traffic is present, the right action can be taken. Many potential problems and dangers can be avoided by carefully and thoughtfully speaking and acting at the right time.

The opposite of cautiousness is rashness, which means “proceeding hastily with lack of consideration.” A rash person is quick to speak, act, or react, following his natural impulses rather than taking the time to think through the ramifications, results, A cautious person will notice or consequences of his and heed warnings and adjust behavior. He tends to his actions accordingly. neglect gathering essential information before making a decision. James 1:19 says, “. . . Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” A person lacking cautiousness fool­ ishly disregards God’s direction, the feelings of others, or practical safety rules. He may jump onto his bike without taking time to put on his helmet or run outside

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hastily before putting on his shoes. He tends to act impulsively, ignoring advice and overlooking an opportunity to learn from others. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

You may relate cautiousness to your personal safety.

That is because you use your God-given senses to protect your­self. You are cautious around a camp­ fire or an open flame because you feel the intense heat. God gives you spiritual, emotional, and physical senses not only for your well-being but also to exercise cour­ age out of love for others.

For example, members The consequences of swallowing of the military and the a hot drink too quickly will remind police force who protect a rash person to slow down. people, nurses who treat infectious diseases, and missionaries who travel to foreign fields must use caution. Yet they act with courage because God has called them to serve in the face of danger. Being cautious may involve patiently waiting or bravely acting at the right time. You may need to deny yourself to help someone else. God will help you know when it is the right time to take action, even at the risk of pain or loss for the benefit of others. He gives wisdom to process information with your senses and gives courageous love to take the right action at the right time.

Cautiousness in Scripture

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CAUTIOUSNESS KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“Also, that the soul be without knowledge,

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

it is not good; and he that hasteth with his

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

feet sinneth.” PROVERBS 19:2

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Cautiousness in My Life

We see examples of God’s precise timing in giving caution in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out cautiousness daily.

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God alerted Pharaoh to a coming famine and sent Joseph to save the nation.

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(See Genesis 41:28–30, 33–36.)

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God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Baby Jesus to avoid Herod’s wrath.

(See Psalm 37:7, 34.)

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(See Matthew 2:13, 22.)

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God tells His angels to wait for the right time to gather the “tares” so that the “wheat” is not also destroyed.

(See Matthew 13:27–30.)

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Jesus’ timely message alerted people to repent and believe the Gospel.

(See Mark 1:14–15.)

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Before I speak, do I consider the impact my words may have?

(See Proverbs 18:19, Hebrews 3:12–14.)

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How can I avoid worldly cares that stifle my love for God’s Word?

(See Matthew 13:22–23.)

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What helps me escape temptation?

(See Mark 14:38, I Corinthians 10:6, 11, 13; II Peter 3:17–18.)

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Jesus cautioned people about the dangerous hypocrisy and false teaching they were hearing.

(See Luke 20:46–47.)

What should I do when I am unsure that I am making the best decision?

Why should I be wary of believing someone claiming to be Jesus?

(See Luke 21:8.)

The Holy Spirit spoke through Agabus to warn the people of Antioch about a coming famine.

Why should I be cautious to not believe everything I hear but to test it against God’s Word?

(See Acts 11:28.)

(See Colossians 2:8, Acts 17:11.)

The Holy Spirit foretold that Paul would be delivered to his enemies in Jerusalem.

(See Acts 21:4, 10–11.)

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What caution does God give if I act selfishly?

How can I avoid those consequences?

(See Galatians 5:13–16.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Speak at the Right Time INTRODUCTION

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xcitedly you run into the house to show

your mom a bug you found outdoors! But then you see that she is busy removing dinner from the oven. Why would this not be the best time to speak to her? What could possibly go wrong if you show her the bug now?! Your sensitivity to your mom’s activity at the moment demonstrates cautiousness. By waiting to speak, you show wisdom as well as love toward her.

A cautious person takes the time to discern the attitudes and actions of those around him and then chooses the best time to speak. Proverbs 15:23 says, “. . . A word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

When you speak at the right time, you may also find that those who hear will be more receptive to your words.

Esther’s Wise and Timely Appeal

CAUTIOUSNESS Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Speak at the Right Time

Esther’s Wise and Timely Appeal

K

ing Ahasuerus announced the search for a new queen! Officers were appointed to scour the king­

he swiftly reported it and saved the king’s life. Some time afterward, Queen Esther received word that

dom for beautiful young candidates. Many maidens,

Mordecai and other Jews in the city were wailing

including Esther, were selected to undergo a year of

hopelessly. When she inquired, Mordecai explained

preparation and then appear before the moody king.

that the king had signed a new law that sentenced

Esther had been reared by her God-fearing cousin

all Jews to death and authorized the taking away of

Mordecai, who instructed her to keep her Jewish

their property! What would Mordecai ask Queen

identity a secret. Mordecai daily walked by the palace

Esther to do? What would happen if she spoke too

to learn how Esther was faring. Finally, the day came for her to go before King Ahasuerus. He favored

soon or too late? How would she prepare to approach the king? Why would right timing be vital for Queen

Esther above all the other women and crowned her

Esther’s dangerous mission? Would she succeed?

as his new queen! Often Mordecai sat nearby in the king’s gate. When he overheard a plot to kill the king,

Let’s read the Bible story in Esther 4:1–6:14; 7:3–6; 8:1–3, 11, 16–17 and discuss the following questions.

1. What did Mordecai want Queen Esther to do?

Why was she hesitant? (See Esther 4:8–11.)

to talk with your parents? What helped you to be patient?

Why is it important to think through possible consequences before speaking?

5. What did Queen Esther request at the first banquet? What did she say that showed she was not in a hurry? (See Esther 5:6–8.)

2. What warning did Mordecai give Queen Esther to encourage her to speak at that time?

(See Esther 4:13–14.)

When are you afraid to speak up? How can speaking up at the right time help others?

(See Ephesians 6:17–18.)

3. How long would the queen wait before speaking to the king? How did she and her people prepare? (See Esther 4:15–16.)

When facing a difficult situation, why are prayer and even fasting important before taking action?

Who gives you wisdom to know what to say and when to say it, if you just ask? (See James 1:5.)

4. When she approached the king, how did Queen Esther express her petition? (See Esther 5:2–4.)

When have you had to wait for the right time

Why is it important to carefully choose an appropriate time and place to have an important conversation with someone?

6. What happened during the night between the first and second banquets? (See Esther 6:1–3, 10–11.)

How did this event prepare the king to hear the queen’s request?

Have you ever had to wait and then find that God had worked miraculously in the meantime?

7. What was the queen’s appeal? (See Esther 7:3–6, 8:1–3.) What resulted from her well-timed request?

(See Esther 8:11, 16–17.)

What influence do your words have on others?

(See Proverbs 18:21.) When have you made an appeal that turned out well for you and your authority?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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S

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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