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INTRODUCTION

CAUTIOUSNESSKnowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Cautiousness

Excitedly 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

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Cautiousness Overview

What Is Cautiousness?Read aloud, study, and discuss what cautiousness means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of cautiousness is “knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.” A cautious person understands that right timing is crucial. For example, retrieving a baseball 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, when 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 cautious-ness 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, or consequences of his behavior. He tends to neglect to gather 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 foolishly 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

hastily before putting on his shoes. He tends to impulsively move forward, 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 associate cautiousness with an interest in your personal safety because you use your Godgiven senses to protect yourself. You are cautious around a campfire or an open flame because you feel the intense heat. God gives you spiritual, emotional, and physical senses not only for your wellbeing but also to exercise courage out of love for others. For example, members of the military and the police force who protect 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.

A cautious person will heed warnings and adjust his actions accordingly.

The consequences of swallowing a hot drink too quickly will remind a rash person to slow down.

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Cautiousness in Scripture

The Character of GodWe see examples of God’s precise timing in giving caution:

God alerted Pharaoh to a coming famine and sent Joseph to save the nation.(See Genesis 41:28–30, 33–36.)

God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Baby Jesus to avoid Herod’s wrath. (See Matthew 2:13, 22.)

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.)

Jesus’ timely message alerted people to repent and believe the Gospel. (See Mark 1:14–15.)

Jesus cautioned people about the dangerous hypocrisy and false teaching they were hearing. (See Luke 20:46–47.)

The Holy Spirit spoke through Agabus to warn the people of Antioch about a coming famine. (See Acts 11:28.)

The Holy Spirit foretold that Paul would be delivered to his enemies in Jerusalem. (See Acts 21:4, 10–11.)

As you read and study God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will become a radiant expression of Him. God will

be glorified as His character is seen in you.

CAUTIOUSNESS KEY VERSE“Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his

feet sinneth.” PROVERBS 19:2

Cautiousness in My LifeNow let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out cautiousness daily.

What should I do when I am unsure that I am making the best decision?(See Psalm 37:7, 34.)

Before I speak, do I consider the impact my words may have? (See Proverbs 18:19, Hebrews 3:12–14.)

How can I avoid worldly cares that stifle my love for God’s Word? (See Matthew 13:22–23.)

What helps me escape temptation? (See Mark 14:38; I Corinthians 10:6, 11, 13; and

II Peter 3:17–18.)

Why should I be wary of believing someone claiming to be Jesus? (See Luke 21:8.)

Why should I be cautious to not believe every-thing I hear but to test it against God’s Word? (See Colossians 2:8, Acts 17:11.)

What caution does God give if I act selfishly? How can I avoid those consequences? (See Galatians 5:13–16.)

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Bible StoryESTHER’S WISE AND TIMELY APPEAL

K ing Ahasuerus announced the search for a new queen! Officers were appointed to scour the kingdom for beautiful young candidates. Many maidens, including Esther, were selected to undergo a year of preparation and then appear before the moody king. Esther had been brought up by her Godfearing cousin Mordecai, who instructed her to keep her Jewish identity a secret. Mordecai daily walked by the palace to learn how Esther was doing. Finally, the day came for her to go before King Ahasuerus. He favored Esther above all the other women and crowned her as his new queen! Often Mordecai sat nearby in the

king’s gate. When he overheard a plot to kill the king, he swiftly reported it and saved the king’s life. Some time afterward, Queen Esther received word that Mordecai and other Jews in the city were wailing hopelessly. When she inquired, Mordecai explained that the king had signed a new law that sentenced all Jews to death and authorized confiscation of their property! What would Mordecai ask Queen Esther to do? What would happen if she spoke too soon or too late? How would she prepare to approach the king? Why would right timing be vital for Queen Esther’s dangerous mission? Would she succeed?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSTogether, read Esther 4:6–6:14, 8:11, 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.)

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

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

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.)

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 prepare the king to hear the queen’s request?

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

7. What resulted from Queen Esther’s well-timed appeal? (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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Memory VersePROVERBS 19:2

Play the game together to help the children commit Proverbs 19:2 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“Also, that the soul be

without knowledge, it is not good;

and he that hasteth

with his feet sinneth.”PROVERBS 19:2

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “take time to ask questions for information,” “plan ahead,” or “read and follow the rules posted in public places.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________________________. I ask that You would develop cautiousness in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Disappearing Visual

Write Proverbs 19:2 on a sheet of paper in the format shown above. Hold the paper so the children can see the verse and read it together. Next, fold back the first phrase on the dotted line. Have the children read the verse again, this time with the first phrase hidden. Can the children remember the unseen section of the verse? If not, review the first phrase. Fold back the next line of the verse so that it “disappears.” Have the children read the verse and see if they can say from memory the part that is missing. Continue hiding each line and reciting the verse until the Scripture has completely disappeared and the children are reciting the entire verse from memory!

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Word Puzzle WORD SEARCH

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

Instructions

Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the cautiousness key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards.

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “right” and “good.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words of the verse and definition instead of only the underlined words.

Proverbs 19:2

“Also, that the

soul be without

knowledge, it is

not good; and

he that hasteth

with his feet

sinneth.”

Cautiousness

Knowing how

important right

timing is in

accomplishing

right actions

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ActivityRIGHT TIMING STORY

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

Right Timing Story

Supplies:• Scissors

• A photocopy of this page

InstructionsGive each child a photocopy of this page. Cut out the words in the word list. Quietly read the story below and arrange the words next to the story in the order you would fill in the blanks. Notice how a right action put in the wrong blank can become a wrong action because of timing. When you are finished, I will read the story aloud. I will pause for you to say the action you chose for each blank. (See page 12 for the answers.)

A little boy lived on a farm with his family. He _______

early in the morning and _______. He joined his

family in the living room for devotions. During prayer

time, he _______. Afterwards, while his father gave

instructions for the day, the boy _______. He _______

to his sister to listen closely. When his father asked if

he understood the instructions, he _______.

Before he ran outside, he _______. During chore time,

he _______ in the dirt. He _______ hard. Suddenly, he

looked up and saw his little sister running toward the

electric fence. He _______: “Look! The fence is on!”

During playtime, he _______ with his sister and

she _______ until she _______. They _______, _______,

and _______. Mom asked him to deliver a dozen eggs

to the neighbor across the road. Cars were rushing

by, so he _______. After the boy delivered the eggs,

his mom called him in for dinner. The road was clear.

He _______. He went inside and _______ and _______ .

They ate dinner. At bedtime, he _______. Was this boy

cautious or not?

worked played laughed cried was quiet shouted

got out of bed closed his eyes brushed his teeth made his bed

took off his work boots waited to cross the road acted like a clown

whispered put on his work boots washed his hands

did handstands kicked a soccer ball dug potatoes

immediately crossed the road repeated the instructions accurately

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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).

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Hymn History

“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”Sing “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” by the hymn writer William Whiting and read how the Navy practices cautiousness today with the use of meteorological equipment.

The drenched, terrorfilled sailor clutched the helm. As another angry billow crashed against the ship, the entire vessel shuddered violently and then dropped into the hollow of the next giant wave. The storm raged relentlessly. Experienced sailors cried aloud, clinging whiteknuckled to the railings.

Also aboard was passenger William Whiting. He had committed his life to Christ years earlier. Awed by the powerful waves, he fervently, confidently petitioned the Master of the sea and wind.

Finally the damaged ship limped into port. The passengers and crew were battered, but alive! The experience seemingly echoed Psalm 107:23–29:

They that go down to the sea in ships . . . see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger . . . and are at their wits’ end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Sometime afterward, a student approached Mr. Whiting, who was a headmaster in England. The youth told of a time when he had stood on a dock, watching the turbulent ocean waves. He had been petrified to see their forcefulness. Now, in the headmaster’s office, he held in his trembling hand a ticket to sail to America. He was terrified of his upcoming voyage! Mr. Whiting

encouraged the young man that even the strongest storm could not separate him from God’s care. As the student rose to leave, Mr. Whiting promised, “Before you depart, I’ll give you something to anchor your faith.” Keeping his word, the schoolmaster wrote a poem for the student’s voyage, titled “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.”

English composer John B. Dykes paired these words with his tune, “MELITA,” named after the island of the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck. Published in 1861, by the end of World War II (1945), the hymn had become widely known as “The Navy Hymn.” It was even played at the funerals of three U.S. presidents who served with the U.S. Navy: Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush.

Cautiousness is “knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.” Naval officers understand the importance of right timing. Weathertracking devices keep them informed so they can respond with appropriate actions. Not practicing caution can bring disaster to a ship and those aboard. As we learn to be cautious, we will be better equipped to glorify God through our right actions carried out at the right time.

William Whiting (1825–1878)

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Hymn Sheet Music

EOOO

terSavSpirTrin

nalior,it,i

FawhoseWhomty

ther,altheof

strongmightFalove

toytherand

save,wordsentpower,

WhoseTheToYour

armwindsspreadchil

hathandadren

boundwavesbroadshield

thesubthein

- - -- - - -- - -- - -

restmisfirdan

lesssivemager's

wave,heard,ment:hour;

WhoWhoO

From

bidswalkedmightrock

theupyand

mightonSpirtem

ytheit,pest,

ofoambyfire,

ceaningThyand

deepdeep,mightfoe,

ItsAndSavePro

- - -- - -- - - -- - -

own

allcalm

tect

apawhothem

pointmidtakewhere

edthetheso

limrageeae'er

itsdidgle'sthey

keep;sleep;flight,go;

OProAndThus,

heartectkeepev

ususthemer

whenbybymore

weThyThyshall

- - -- -

-- - - -

guardwatchrise

cry toingfulto

TheehandcareThee

ForFromFromGlad

thoseevevpraise

in'ry'ryfrom

perperperair

ilililand

ononinland

thethetheand

sea.land.air.sea.

-- - -- - -

Eternal Father, Strong to SaveJohn B. Dykes, 1823–1876

©

William Whiting, 1825–1878

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Word Search Answer Key

Hymn History BibliographyCollins, Ace, Stories Behind the Hymns That Inspire America,

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 2003, pp. 46–52.

Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers,

Nashville, 2003, p. 137.

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications,

Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 80–81.

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Recommended Resources• 2020 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

• Hymns for the Family CDs (“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 1.)

• The Power for True Success

• Understanding Spiritual Gifts

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• “Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves” (Message by Larry Guthrie, available at embassymedia.com)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

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Right Timing Story Answer Key

A STORY OF A BOY WHO WAS CAUTIOUS

A little boy lived on a farm with his family. He (got out of bed) early in the morning and (made his bed). He joined his family in the living room for devotions. During prayer time, he (closed his eyes). Afterward, while his father gave instructions for the day, the boy (was quiet). He (whispered) to his sister to listen closely. When his father asked if he understood the instructions, he (repeated the instructions accurately). Before he ran outside, he (put on his work boots). During chore time, he (dug potatoes) in the dirt. He (worked) hard. Suddenly, he looked up and saw his little sister running toward the electric fence. He (shouted): “Look! The fence is on!” During playtime, he (acted like a clown) with his sister and she (laughed) until she (cried). They (played), (did handstands), and (kicked a soccer ball). Mom asked him to deliver a dozen eggs to the neighbor across the road. Cars were rushing by, so he (waited to cross the road). After the boy delivered the eggs, his mom called him in for dinner. The road was clear. He (immediately crossed the road). He went inside and (took off his work boots) and (washed his hands). They ate dinner. At bedtime, he (brushed his teeth). Was this boy cautious or not?

A STORY OF A BOY WHO WAS NOT CAUTIOUS

A little boy lived on a farm with his family. He (closed his eyes) early in the morning and (acted like a clown). He joined his family in the living room for devotions. During prayer time, he (laughed). Afterward, while his father gave instructions for the day, the boy (did handstands). He (shouted) to his sister to listen closely. When his father asked if he understood the instructions, he (was quiet). Before he ran outside, he (washed his hands). During chore time, he (kicked a soccer ball) in the dirt. He (played) hard. Suddenly, he looked up and saw his little sister running toward the electric fence. He (whispered), “Look! The fence is on!” During playtime, he (repeated the instructions accurately) with his sister and she (worked) until she (cried). They (took off his work boots), (dug potatoes), and (made his bed). Mom asked him to deliver a dozen eggs to the neighbor across the road. Cars were rushing by, so he (immediately crossed the road). After the boy delivered the eggs, his mom called him in for dinner. The road was clear. He (waited to cross the road). He went inside and (put on his work boots) and (brushed his teeth). They ate dinner. At bedtime, he (got out of bed). Was this boy cautious or not?