How does 2 Timothy 3:15 connect with Proverbs 22:6 on training children? Scripture is the Starting Line “and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” • “From infancy” shows that the training begins as early as possible. • “Known the Holy Scriptures” reveals the actual content of the training—God’s written Word. • “Able to make you wise for salvation” underlines the goal: a child grows into saving faith and lifelong wisdom centered on Christ. The Lifelong Trajectory Set 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.” • “Train up” stresses intentional, repetitive shaping. • “In the way he should go” identifies a specific path—God’s path, not any path. • “When he is old he will not depart” speaks of durable fruit that endures to life’s final chapters. Threads that Tie the Two Verses Together • Same starting point – both assume early, formative years are decisive. • Same tool – the “Holy Scriptures” of 2 Timothy supply the content that defines “the way” of Proverbs. • Same outcome – a life that stays the course because it was rooted in Scripture-powered wisdom and salvation. Supporting Passages that Echo the Pattern • Deuteronomy 6:6-7: God’s words are to be on the heart and taught “diligently to your children.” • Psalm 78:5-7: Fathers teach the law “so that the coming generation would know them… and not forget.” • Ephesians 6:4: “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” • 1 Timothy 4:16: Persevering in doctrine “will save both yourself and your hearers,” showing salvation-linked instruction. Practical Ways to Train Children with Scripture • Read aloud daily—even a short passage plants seeds. • Memorize verses together; start with ones that speak of salvation (John 3:16, Romans 10:9). • Connect life moments to Scripture: apply Proverbs during decisions, Psalms during emotions, Gospels during discipline. • Model personal devotion; children learn more from what they see than what they hear. • Involve the whole church family—Sunday school, youth groups, intergenerational worship reinforce the home’s work. • Celebrate Scripture milestones (first full book read, verse memorization awards) to make the journey joyful. Encouraging Promises for Faithful Parents • Isaiah 55:11: God’s Word “will not return to Me empty.” • Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest.” • Proverbs 1:8-9: A child who embraces parental instruction gains “a garland of grace… a chain to adorn the neck.” Key Takeaway Start early, stay intentional, and let Scripture saturate every season of a child’s life. The Word that made Timothy wise for salvation is the very same Word that charts the “way” of Proverbs 22:6—and God promises it will bear lasting fruit. |