Nylse Esahc

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

I am from a culture where, as a child, I often heard “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Usually, I would hear the verse right before I was disciplined for getting into some mischief. To my childish ears, it seemed to indicate that I needed training – and lots of it. It was not a favorite verse, yet I could quote it verbatim. In my mind, I was a good child who didn’t require much discipline. I thought there was an obvious disconnect between the intention of this verse and its application.

What Does Proverbs 22:6 Mean?

Proverbs 22:6 teaches parents to intentionally guide children toward wisdom, faith, character, and the path God has designed for them, while still trusting God with their response. When I became a parent, I vowed that I would do better than my parents and not quote this verse as a behavioral corrective to my children. But when a child of mine misbehaved, I found myself thinking about it as I punished my child. I knew the verse had to be about more than discipline. As I started to mull over this verse, I saw its intent.

Proverbs 22:6 is instrumental in laying a foundation, but it was never meant to be bandied about like a threat because Colossians 3:21 cautions parents not to provoke their children to wrath, lest they become discouraged. Proverbs 22:6 should not be used to shame parents whose children struggle or stray; it is a call to faithful training, not a guarantee that parents can control a child’s heart.

Here are 7 things you should know about this popular parenting verse and what "train up a child" really means.

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