SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Have you ever read the newspapers and listened to the news on radio or television and wondered if there are any limits for scandalous behavior on the part of men and women? Is there anything people will not do?

We are scandalized by uncontrolled behavior. It is not uncommon to read about crime and violence on the college campus or in the community neighborhood. Those who serve in state and national legislative bodies may become active participants in fraud, money laundering, illicit sexual escapades and ugly divorces whose real victims are innocent and helpless children. No segment of our society is exempt.

When I was a grade school student there was a place on our report card that dealt with “deportment.” Comments were often written by the teacher as to how I was doing in terms of my conduct, demeanor, manners and behavior. If I was in trouble at school I was soon in trouble at home. My parents knew how to deal with a child who misbehaved at school and in the community.

Emerson referred to behavior as “The finest of the fine arts.” Ibn Gabirol said there is “No truer index to intelligence.” Is that another way of saying, “If you are half as smart as you think you are you will be behave yourself”? I cannot remember when I have read the sports pages and I did not read of some athlete throwing away a future worth millions of dollars simply because he could not stay out of bars, leave drugs alone and treat others with some degree of respect.

Some athletes always remind me of an old college gag about the All-American football player who received a letter for playing at State University, but could not read it.

Part of the problem is that nobody wants to be told what they can and cannot do. I see signs every day telling us there are some things we should not do. To disobey can mean danger, destruction and death. It used to be in our public schools that teachers could discuss with students what was once called “The Ten Commandments”, but degenerated into “The Ten Suggestions” and today to “Ten Things You cannot Discuss With Students” and if you do you will lose your job.

Those original “Ten Commandments” were given so we could be well, strong, decent, prosperous, intelligent, free, sober, live a long time and, hold on to your hat, be sexually satisfied and fulfilled.

Having traveled throughout the United States I know there are millions of people among us who can be very exact in what they say. Anybody can understand what they mean. Perhaps it was a committee of such people who gave us this version of the Ten Commandments.

1. Just one God.

2. Put nothin' before God.

3. Watch yer mouth.

4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin'.

5. Honor yer Ma & Pa.

6. No killin’.

7. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.

8. Don't take what ain't yers.

9. No tellin' tales or gossipin'.

10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

If you have any trouble reading and understanding that, you may on the verge of hopeless ignorance. You may also read them as they appear in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:1-22. An elderly country preacher stated: “God said it. I believe it. And that settles it.”

Now, that we have read them, what part of the words “do and do not” do we have trouble understanding? We are without excuse and will be held accountable for what we do and do not do. A practical man wrote: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Read that in any version of the New Testament and the message is the same.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.