An example is often used when trying to explain things or provide something that should be emulated, and it can make an explanation easier for people to understand. Parents are expected to set a good example for their children, so that the kids grow up to be productive citizens and decent human beings.
Example may be better than precept, but together they make a winning team
It is the true nature of mankind to learn from mistakes, not from example
Setting too good an example is a kind of slander seldom forgiven
Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing