What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:6? Train up “Train up” captures an active, intentional process. The verb is not passive; it pictures shaping, dedicating, and initiating—much like dedicating a house (1 Kings 8:63) or setting apart a priest (Numbers 8:11). For parents and mentors, that means: • Regular instruction, not occasional comments (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Modeling truth in daily life (Philippians 4:9). • Loving correction when needed (Proverbs 13:24). The New Testament echoes the same spirit: “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). a child The target is specifically “a child,” not an adult already set in ways. Scripture underscores the strategic value of early influence: • “From infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15). • Samuel served the LORD as a boy and grew “in favor with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26). • Jesus Himself “grew in wisdom and stature” under godly parents (Luke 2:52). Early years are fertile soil; whatever seeds are planted then tend to take deep root. in the way “The way” points to a clear path, not multiple options. Proverbs loves this imagery: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). Scripture defines the way as: • Morally upright (Proverbs 11:5). • God-directed rather than self-directed (Jeremiah 6:16). • Ultimately found in Christ, who said, “I am the way” (John 14:6). Training, then, is not value-neutral; it steers children toward a definite, God-given course. he should go The phrase underscores that the path is fitting to the child’s God-given design, not his fallen impulses. Parents observe gifts and temperament and channel them toward righteousness: • “Start children off on the right path; even when they are old, they will not stray” (Proverbs 22:6). • “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). • “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9). God equips each child for a purpose; wise training aligns natural abilities with divine calling. and when he is old The verse looks far down the road, beyond adolescence into seasoned adulthood. Scripture testifies that early truth anchors later life: • David could say in old age, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken” (Psalm 37:25). • Timothy’s adult ministry rested on faith “that first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5). • Even a prodigal’s return (Luke 15:17-20) illustrates that implanted truth can resurface decades later. he will not depart from it This is a divine guarantee, not mere optimism. God’s Word does what it promises: “My word… will not return to Me void” (Isaiah 55:11). When parents fulfill their role, God works: • He completes what He begins (Philippians 1:6). • His promise is sure, though timing varies (Galatians 6:9). • Wandering seasons may occur, yet the entrenched path remains, tugging the heart back (Psalm 119:176). The verse stands as both comfort and motivation: faithful training yields enduring allegiance to God’s way. summary Proverbs 22:6 calls parents and mentors to deliberate, early, Scripture-saturated instruction that aligns each child with God’s ordained path. Such training, planted in tender years, is guarded by God through every life stage so that, in maturity, the once-young learner stays the course. The promise is clear: shape the child with God’s truth today, and tomorrow that truth will shape the adult for a lifetime. |
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