In the late 1800’s a book appeared that was filled with parables, observations and earthy wisdom. Enjoy some of these thoughts from a chapter called “Reading” in the book, The Royal Path of Life. “One’s reading is usually a fair index of his character.”

“One’s reading is usually a fair index of his character.”

“It is said that, ‘A man is known by the company he keeps.’ It is equally as true that a man’s character may be to a great extent ascertained by knowing what books he reads.”

“You cannot afford to read a bad book, however good you are. You say, ‘The influence is insignificant.’ I tell you that a scratch of a pin has sometimes produced the lockjaw.”

“Inferior books are to be rejected, in an age and time when we are courted by whole libraries. And no man’s life is long enough to compass even those which are good and great and famous. Why should we bow down to puddles?”

“To read with profit, the books must be of a kind calculated to inform the mind, correct the head, and better the heart. These books should be read with attention, understood and remembered, and their precepts put into practice. It depends less on the number than quality. One good book well understood and remembered, is of more use that to have a superficial knowledge of fifty, equally sound.”

I admit that I love to read. I have probably read at least a book a week for the last 40 years of my life. That means I’ve read almost 2,100 books – a good sized library! But today I was challenged to think back on the books I’ve read. Were they uplifting? Did they point me to my Lord? Were they books or magazines that planted destructive images and messages into my subconscious? Then I thought of the books my children were reading for pleasure or school – what value did they have?

It is my responsibility to guard my mind as I read, watch the television and work on the computer. As a parent I am also responsible to guard what my children (those who are still living under my roof) are reading and watching. As a parent we have the right to ask what our children are reading and to set limits on the movies they watch. Remember though that our examples set precedents for our children. When our children are younger, we can choose stories to read as families. As our children mature, they will be observing the media we choose.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect. As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.