Do you get the feeling that people are not as polite as in times past? Showing appreciation by saying, “Thank you,” seems rare among many today. Do I think that people do not appreciate receiving a kind word, or you doing something for them? No, I do not! I believe people welcome such things and that has not changed. As I see it, the problem is a lack of good manners. What has happened?Good Propriety and Politeness Is Needed
Simply put, many have not been taught good manners. Teaching decent civil demeanor must start at a young age. By schooling those that are youngsters, the aim is to show respect as a normal reaction in our interaction with people. The term, “Yes sir,” and the like are unknown for too many. Instead of “Yes sir,” you may get a grunt or something like that. For many, this is normal speech. It matters not to whom one is speaking. Be it Mother or Father, the schoolteacher or a policeman, impoliteness is the usual response for many. It is sad to observe those who have never been taught good manners. Sadder is to view those who know politeness is needed in our society; however, they have chosen to be ill-mannered rascals.
“To present a good impression, you must act like you weren’t raised in a barn! It is difficult dealing with those having no manners or concern for others. A huge societal issue is a general lack of respect for what has been taught in history regarding human concern and compassion toward acquaintances. …Good manners are an increasingly archaic school of thought that displays respect, care, and consideration.” (https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Good-Manners)
The Importance of Our Words: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).
The Influence of Our Words: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:6-10).
Observation: Have I met polite young folks? Yes, we all have. Have I met impolite older people? Yes, I have. This essay is designed to show the need to instill good manners at an early age. I also believe that maybe we have touched on a pet peeve for some of us. Remember, being taught at an early age to say, “Yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, etc.? Good manners should be a vital part of one’s upbringing. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
