Paul told Timothy to "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16).

Personality traits of the successful teacher:

• His personal life must be pure (I Timothy 5:22).

• He must be emotional, compassionate in nature (Matthew 9:36).

• He must be optimistic in outlook. He knows that the word of God will not return unto God void (Isaiah 55:11).

• He must show his appreciation for the good qualities in his students. Remember Jesus' words when he met Nathaniel: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile" (John 1:47).

• He must be patient. Many students will be ungrateful and unkind. He must remember that "God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish" (II Peter 3:9).

• He must be tactful. Not only must he know the Bible, but he must know human nature. He must follow the instruction given by Paul to the church of Colosse. "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).