Character Building: By Doing or By Teaching

Do we build character in our children by doing or by teaching?

It is really not one or the other, but a combination of them both. Like faith and works, you cannot have one without the other. You could set the greatest example in the world, but if you do not teach your children they will not have the knowledge. On the other hand, actions must back up your words. Just as great writers learn to write well by reading great authors, a child will learn to act righteous through his parents righteousness.

I have heard that teaching your children character traits from a Biblical perspective can be really helpful in fashioning Godly character. What I mean by teaching is that you define what the character trait actually means and how to practically live that trait out. So many times we use words that we not be able to give a good definition of or know how to apply it to our lives. Also, it is helpful to study what the Bible says about that trait by reading and memorizing the Scriptures.

What do you think? Is it by teaching or doing or both?