Training up a Child
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Biblical Foundation

The concept of "training up a child" is rooted in the biblical instruction found in Proverbs 22:6, which states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . This verse underscores the importance of early education and moral guidance, emphasizing the long-term impact of a child's upbringing on their future behavior and beliefs.

Parental Responsibility

The Bible places a significant responsibility on parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . This directive highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing, encouraging parents to foster an environment where children can grow in faith and character.

Discipline and Instruction

Discipline is a recurring theme in biblical teachings on child-rearing. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently" . This verse suggests that loving discipline is an essential component of training a child, aiming to correct and guide rather than punish harshly. The goal is to instill wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 29:15: "A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces his mother" .

Teaching by Example

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of leading by example. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" . This passage encourages parents to integrate God's commandments into daily life, demonstrating faith through actions and conversations.

Role of the Community

While parents hold primary responsibility, the broader faith community also plays a role in a child's spiritual development. The church is seen as a supportive environment where children can learn and grow in their faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together" , highlighting the communal aspect of spiritual training.

Promises and Outcomes

The promise associated with training up a child is that they will not depart from the path when they are older. This assurance is not a guarantee of a trouble-free life but rather a general principle that early spiritual and moral education will have a lasting influence. The Bible acknowledges human free will, yet it affirms the enduring impact of a godly upbringing.

Conclusion

Training up a child in the biblical sense involves a comprehensive approach that includes discipline, instruction, example, and community support. It is a lifelong commitment that seeks to instill a deep-rooted faith and moral compass, preparing children to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
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Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
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Deuteronomy 6:7
And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
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2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.
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Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
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Proverbs 13:24
He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.
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Proverbs 19:18
Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.
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Proverbs 23:13-14
Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.
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Greek
3811. paideuo -- to train children, to chasten, correct
... 3811 (from 3816 , "a child under development with strict training") -- properly,
to up a child (3816 ), so they and realize their (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3811.htm - 8k
Library

The Choice of Pursuits.
... And then what will become of your child if he is ... a large legacy and have been brought
up in idleness ... until the last fruits of their improper training may be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm

The Boyhood and Training of Moses
... THE OLD TESTAMENT THE BOYHOOD AND TRAINING OF MOSES. ... When the child had grown up,
she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son; and she ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the boyhood and training of.htm

Home-Education.
... We cannot separate a secular from a religious education, neither can we separate
a training from a bringing up. While those faculties of the child which exist ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... is deposited in the child so far as that wickedness affected the child's character ...
What a rich reward did Elkanah and Hannah receive by their training up Samuel ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

The Mission of the Christian Home.
... to provide for soul as well as for body, to prepare the child for a ... when the soul
is neglected, when religion is left out of view, when training up for God is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ii the mission of.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... And does he or she not see, that, by this cruel indulgence, they are training up
their child, by flat rebellion against their parents, to rebellion against God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... children become embittered against other grown-up people who take a part in their
training, and have ... The child feels himself helped forward and supported ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

Home as a Nursery.
... physical development, mental evolution, moral training, and spiritual ... of a mother's
heart, and be reared up by the ... in its conception and relation to the child. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiii home as a.htm

Ignorance of the Seed Makes no Difference.
... "How could it be otherwise, when I had such bad training? ... "Seek ye first the Kingdom
of God and his righteousness." "Train up a child in the way he should go ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vi ignorance of the.htm

Home Influence and Training in their Relation to the Keeping of ...
... who does not help in the religious training of his ... effect to impress the thought
on the child frequently that ... Many children even grow up and know not whether ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter vi home influence and.htm

Resources
What is the Cursillo movement? | GotQuestions.org

What is a seminary? | GotQuestions.org

How can I become a pastor? | GotQuestions.org

Training: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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