Proverbs 22:6 kjv

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 nkjv

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 niv

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6 esv

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 nlt

Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 6 Meaning

Proverbs 22:6 is a foundational teaching in the Book of Proverbs, stating, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the profound and lasting impact of early moral and spiritual instruction on a child's development. It asserts that diligent, intentional, and consistent guidance during formative years significantly influences an individual's lifelong character and direction. The "way he should go" refers to the path of wisdom, righteousness, and obedience to God, implying a departure from natural human inclinations towards folly. The verse underscores that the foundational truths and principles instilled in childhood tend to remain deeply ingrained, providing an enduring moral compass throughout life.

Proverbs 22 6 Context

Proverbs 22:6 is situated within a broader collection of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:1-16), often referred to as "Sayings of the Wise," that follow an extended discourse from Solomon. This section offers practical guidance on various aspects of life, including wealth and poverty, ethical conduct, relationships, and the importance of a good name. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the profound impact of parental responsibility in raising children. Within the broader Book of Proverbs, this verse fits the overarching theme of distinguishing between the "two ways" – the way of wisdom, which leads to life and righteousness, and the way of folly, which leads to destruction. The historical and cultural context for the original audience, ancient Israel, placed immense importance on the family as the primary unit for education and the transmission of values. Children were taught the Law of God (Torah) and the nation's heritage within the home, with parents, especially fathers, bearing the principal role as educators. This oral tradition aimed to prepare children for their roles in society and in the covenant community, fostering a continuous generational knowledge of God's ways. The proverb subtly advocates for this diligent, familial discipleship as crucial for societal and individual well-being, implicitly contrasting it with any casual or negligent approach to child-rearing.

Proverbs 22 6 Word analysis

• "Train up": (Hebrew: חֲנֹךְ - chanokh, H2596).

  • Significance: More than just "teach" or "instruct," chanokh implies dedication, initiation, and consistent shaping. The root word relates to "palate" (חֵךְ - khek), which suggests putting something in the mouth or accustoming one's taste, or to "narrowing," which speaks to breaking in or preparing. It is used elsewhere for the dedication of a house (Deut 20:5) or an altar (Num 7:10). This means the training is purposeful, designed to dedicate the child to a specific way of life – God's way. It's an intensive process that establishes habits, attitudes, and character.

• "a child": (Hebrew: נַעַר - na'ar, H5288).

  • Significance: This term generally refers to a young person, ranging from infancy to late adolescence or even early adulthood (e.g., Joseph was called na'ar at 17, Gen 37:2). It signifies a formative period of life where shaping and instruction are most impactful and enduring. It's not limited to toddlers but encompasses the crucial years of development under parental authority.

• "in the way he should go": (Hebrew: עַל־פִּי דַרְכּוֹ - 'al-pi darko).

  • Literal meaning: "according to his mouth/way" or "according to his particular way."
  • Significance: This phrase is debated, but the primary interpretation within the wisdom tradition is "the way he should go," meaning the moral, righteous, and God-fearing path that aligns with God's design and purpose for humanity. Proverbs frequently presents a choice between two "ways" (wisdom's way or folly's way). Therefore, "his way" in this context refers to the divinely prescribed, proper path for an individual. Some secondary interpretations suggest it could mean "according to his unique temperament/bent," implying tailoring instruction to the child's personality, but this is less common and secondary to the primary moral imperative. The dominant understanding emphasizes instilling the path of truth, not merely affirming a child's natural inclinations which might be astray (Prov 14:12).

• "even when he is old": (Hebrew: גַּם כִּי יַזְקִין - gam ki yazqin).

  • Significance: "Even when he becomes old" signifies the long-term, enduring effect of this early training. It indicates that the deeply ingrained habits, values, and understanding developed in childhood are remarkably persistent and tend to stay with an individual throughout their adult life, into old age.

• "he will not depart from it": (Hebrew: לֹא יָסוּר מִמֶּנָּה - lo yasur mimmennah).

  • Significance: This phrase asserts the lasting nature of the training. "Depart" (yasur) means to turn aside, remove, or deviate. While some interpretations see this as an absolute promise, within the context of the Book of Proverbs, it is best understood as a general principle or strong tendency. Proverbs typically present observations of life's patterns under God's order, not unbreakable laws without exception, as individuals possess free will. Thus, it conveys that consistent, godly training provides a powerful, often subconscious, moral framework that one is likely to adhere to or, if straying, to eventually return to. The foundational "tracks" laid in youth are hard to entirely abandon.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Train up a child in the way he should go": This phrase underscores the proactive and intentional responsibility of parents or guardians. It is not about simply exposing a child to religious ideas but actively and thoroughly dedicating them to God's way through consistent instruction, loving discipline, and setting a godly example. It's a formative process of shaping character and moral direction.
  • "even when he is old he will not depart from it": This portion emphasizes the lasting fruits of this diligent effort. It suggests that such training builds a deep-seated foundation in a person's life. The expectation is that the wisdom and values imparted will guide their choices throughout life, offering stability and a reliable anchor, even through periods of challenge or temptation, serving as a basis for returning to truth if temporarily sidetracked.

Proverbs 22 6 Bonus section

• Theological Underpinnings: This proverb is deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding of generational faith (Deut 4:9-10; Ps 78:4-7). It presumes that there is a knowable, correct "way" defined by God's character and commands, which stands in contrast to the natural inclinations of human sinfulness. The training described is therefore a process of counter-cultural formation, guiding a child away from the paths of folly and towards the life of wisdom found in the fear of the Lord.
• Parental Authority and Responsibility: The verse highlights the immense spiritual responsibility entrusted to parents as the primary agents of discipleship in their children's lives. It challenges the notion that spiritual formation is solely the church's role; rather, it's a sacred parental duty. This calls for intentional effort, discipline, and constant teaching (Deut 6:6-7), not merely assuming children will pick up values incidentally.
• Holistic Approach to Education: The comprehensive nature of chanokh (to train/dedicate) points to an education that impacts not just the mind (knowledge) but also the heart (affections and desires) and the will (choices). It is about shaping a child's character, moral compass, and worldview from their earliest years, ensuring that what they learn is deeply integrated into their being. This training involves verbal instruction, behavioral correction, and, critically, parental example.
• Endurance through Temptation: The phrase "he will not depart from it" implies that the deeply ingrained training provides a resilience against life's temptations and pressures. While not a promise against momentary backsliding, it speaks to a fundamental alignment that provides an enduring point of reference or a magnet drawing one back towards the true path even if one briefly strays. This enduring foundation is a source of hope and encouragement for parents.

Proverbs 22 6 Commentary

Proverbs 22:6 serves as a potent reminder of the power and privilege of parental discipleship. It calls for an active, consistent, and prayerful commitment to shaping children's hearts and minds according to God's truth. The "training" (chanokh) implies more than mere intellectual instruction; it is a holistic process of initiation, discipline, and example-setting, dedicating the child to walk in the "way" that God prescribes—the path of righteousness, wisdom, and obedience found in His Word. This isn't just about religious knowledge but fostering a genuine fear of the Lord and a love for His ways.

While often cherished as an absolute guarantee, it is crucial to understand this verse within the literary genre of a proverb. Proverbs articulate general truths and principles that hold true in the majority of cases and under normal circumstances, reflecting God's established order in the world. They are not inviolable, exception-less divine promises, as human free will and the complexities of life can introduce variations. Children raised in godly homes may, tragically, still choose to rebel or walk away. However, the consistent testimony of Scripture and experience suggests that diligent, faithful, and Spirit-led training creates a robust spiritual foundation. Even if a child deviates for a time, the instilled truths often serve as an internal compass, drawing them back to the values and faith of their upbringing later in life. This verse should therefore inspire diligence in parenting, encouraging parents to lay down firm tracks for their children, trusting in God's grace for the eventual fruit.

Examples for practical usage:

• Consistency: Regularly engaging in family devotions and prayer, even when inconvenient.
• Modeling: Parents openly seeking forgiveness from each other or their children, demonstrating biblical principles in action.
• Correction: Gently and consistently correcting misbehavior while explaining the biblical principles behind the boundaries.
• Context: Discussing current events or personal struggles through a biblical lens, showing how faith applies to real life.
• Service: Involving children in acts of charity or service within their church or community to teach compassion.