How does 1 Samuel 2:23 relate to Proverbs 22:6 on child upbringing? The setting in 1 Samuel 2:23 • “Why do you do such things?” Eli asked his sons. “For I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people.” • Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests abusing their office (vv. 12–17, 22). • Eli rebuked them verbally, yet took no decisive action to stop the sin (v. 25; 3:13). The principle in Proverbs 22:6 • “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” • The verb “train” (ḥānok) involves dedicating, initiating, forming early habits. • The promise is a general truth: consistent, godly formation steers a child toward lifelong obedience. How the verses connect • Proverbs 22:6 sets the positive mandate; 1 Samuel 2:23 shows the tragic opposite. • Eli’s mild reproof fell short of “training”—he failed to: – Establish godly habits when his sons were young. – Enforce consequences to reinforce instruction. – Model decisive holiness in the household. • The narrative illustrates that neglecting the proactive training Proverbs enjoins results in children who “do not depart” from sin instead of righteousness. Supporting parallels • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—parents must “teach them diligently” to children. • Proverbs 29:15—“A child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” • Ephesians 6:4—fathers are to “bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.” • Hebrews 12:9-10—loving discipline yields holiness. Practical takeaways for parents • Begin early: habits formed in childhood are hard-wired for adulthood. • Combine instruction with firm, loving discipline; words alone, as with Eli, are insufficient. • Model what you teach; parental example has shaping power (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Address sin immediately and consistently; delayed or partial correction undermines training. • Remember God’s promise is ordinarily fulfilled when parents faithfully act, yet failure to act, as seen with Eli, invites judgment (1 Samuel 3:12-14). |
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