Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
The tree is known by its fruits, a man by his doings, even a young tree by its first fruits, a child by his childish things, whether his work be clean only, appearing good (the word is used Pro 16:2), or whether it be right, that is, really good. This intimates, 1. That children will discover themselves.
Even a child is known by his doings,.... As well as a man; "ye shall know them by their fruits", Mat 7:16; professors and profane. So a child soon discovers its genius by its actions; it soon shows its inclination and disposition; and some shrewd guesses may be made how it will turn out, a wise man or a fool, a virtuous or a vicious...
The conduct of children even is the best test of principle (compare Mat 7:16).