“The behavior a person exhibits is an expression of the overflow of the heart” (3). See Prov 4:23; Mark 7:21; Luke 6:45. “Behavior is not the basic issue. The basic issue is always what is going on in the heart. . . . A change in behavior that does not stem from a change in heart is not commendable; it is condemnable” (4). See Matt 15.

“You must help your child ask the questions that will expose that attitude of the heart that has resulted in wrong behavior. How did his heart stray to produe this behavior? In what characteristic ways has his inability or refusal to know, trust, and obey God resulted in actions and speech that are wrong. . . . Help them see the ways that they are trying to slake their souls’ thirst with that which cannot satisfy” (5-6).

- Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child's Heart