”Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6New International Version (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Start children off on the way they should go
Proverbs 22:6, themed “Start children off on the way they should go“, is a wise saying, not a promise. That is, it is a general truth, not a guarantee.
Therefore, this Proverb is a warning to parents because it addresses how parents are not to raise their children. And that is training your child according to his way/will.
One of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses in the Bible
Moreover, Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses in the Bible. This is because most people perceive that this verse is a promise and not a warning.
However, a faithful rendering of its Hebrew version would read: “Initiate children off according to their will, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it”. Therefore, if you give your child a foundational direction for life based on his/her will, he/she will not turn from it in his/her older years.
Additionally, the context of Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6, that is, Proverbs 22:1-16, addresses the subject of glorifying God with our finances. And therefore, if you give your child a foundational direction for life based on his/her foolishness in the area of finances, he/she will not turn from it in his/her older years. They will become financial fools and continue in characteristics such as greediness, impulsiveness, laziness, living beyond means, and not doing chores.
Negligence is not the way to go
Therefore, negligence is not the way to go. You are supposed to raise your child according to God’s way (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). And this way is anchored on self-control.
Consequently, your parental responsibility involves influencing your child. Because God uses the parent-child relationship to raise kingdom-valued people (citizens).
Training your child right is not an easy task
Finally, you gotta acknowledge that giving a child the foundational direction for life is not an easy task. Because it models Jesus’ methodology of discipleship.
Prayer/Blessing
Father, help me train up my child/children according to Your ways. This is my humble prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 14-16 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
