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Proverbs 22:6 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁶Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.

This verse is commonly referenced in discussions about child-rearing, and it imparts a timeless wisdom on the subject. The Hebrew word for “train” is “חָנַךְ” (chanak), which carries the sense of dedicating or initiating. It suggests an active role in guiding a child, providing instruction, direction, and setting boundaries.

The term “the way he should go” translates the Hebrew expression “עַל־פִּי דַרְכּוֹ” (al-pi darko), which can also mean “according to his way” or “in keeping with his way.” This is significant as it implies a recognition of the child’s unique personality, inclinations, and abilities. Rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach, the training should be tailored to suit the individual child.

This aligns well with the broader theme of wisdom in Proverbs, where the “way” often refers to a path of righteousness, justice, and adherence to the divine commands. Here, the parents’ responsibility is to guide the child towards this path, taking into consideration their individual characteristics, so that they may walk in it throughout their life.

The promise that the child “will not depart from it” even when old adds a note of assurance. It suggests that proper early training has a lasting effect. While this does not mean that a child will never stray from the path, it emphasizes the profound influence that early education can have on a person’s character and values.

In a broader context, this verse speaks not only to parents but to anyone who has the responsibility or opportunity to influence the young. It underscores the importance of intentional, thoughtful, and individualized guidance and instruction, leading them towards a life aligned with righteousness and wisdom.

It is worth noting that this verse does not offer a guarantee. Human free will, other influences, and life circumstances can lead to unexpected outcomes. However, this wisdom literature provides a general principle, a guiding ideal, that underscores the vital role that early education and moral training play in shaping a person’s life. By committing to this diligent and considerate training, one can set a child on a path towards a meaningful, upright, and fulfilling life.

This verse teaches us that it is important to train children in the way of Jehovah.

The words “train up” and “way” in this verse refer to the process of teaching children how to live a life that is pleasing to Jehovah. The word “old” in this verse refers to adulthood. This verse teaches us that it is important to start training children in the way of Jehovah when they are young. This way, they will be more likely to follow his ways when they are older.

Here are some ways that we can apply this verse to our Christian living:

Teach our children about Jehovah. We should teach our children about Jehovah’s character, his commandments, and his promises.
Model the way of Jehovah for our children. We should live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Jehovah. When we do this, our children will learn by our example.
Pray for our children. We should pray for our children that they will follow Jehovah’s ways.

The verse specifically mentions that train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. This is a reminder that the early years are critical in the development of a child’s character. When we train children in the way of Jehovah when they are young, they are more likely to follow his ways when they are older. The verse also teaches us that we should not give up on our children, even if they make mistakes. We should continue to train them in the way of Jehovah, and we should pray for them that they will turn to him.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).