Bible Verse

Proverbs 22:6

Solomon shares practical wisdom about life, including the critical importance of raising children with godly instruction and values.

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

— Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

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Other Translations

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

— ESV

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

— KJV

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

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Proverbs 22 contains various sayings about wisdom, relationships, work, and parenting. This verse stands as a key principle for child-rearing.

Historical Background

Ancient Israel highly valued passing faith and wisdom to the next generation. This principle reflects the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)—teaching children God's ways diligently.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Start children off on the way they should go"

'Train up' (Hebrew: chanak) means to dedicate, initiate, discipline. 'The way' refers to God's path of wisdom and righteousness. 'Should go' can also mean 'according to their way'—training suited to each child's unique bent and design.

"and even when they are old"

'Old' (zaqen) means mature, elderly. This looks to the long-term result of early training. The investment in children's early years has lifelong impact on their spiritual trajectory.

"they will not turn from it"

This is a proverb (general truth) not an absolute guarantee. Properly trained children typically don't depart from godly foundations. Early training creates deep spiritual roots that endure. However, individuals still have free will.

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The verse emphasizes parental responsibility to intentionally disciple children in God's ways from an early age, trusting that such foundation generally bears lifelong fruit.

Key Themes

ParentingTraining childrenSpiritual legacyEarly discipleshipLong-term faithfulness

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Intentionally teach children God's Word and ways, not leaving spiritual formation to chance.

  2. 2

    Start early—don't wait until children are older to begin spiritual training.

  3. 3

    Adapt your teaching methods to each child's unique personality and learning style.

  4. 4

    Trust that faithful training, though imperfect, creates spiritual foundation that endures.

  5. 5

    If you didn't receive godly training, break the cycle by training your children in God's ways.

Questions for Reflection

  • How intentional are you about training children (your own or those you influence) in God's ways?
  • What specific practices can you implement to disciple the next generation?
  • If your children have departed from faith, how can you continue praying and trusting God?
  • What spiritual legacy are you creating for the next generation?

Related Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road."

Ephesians 6:4

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Psalm 78:4-6

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done."

2 Timothy 3:15

"And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation."

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