What Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go Really Means

“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.❀ ✿✿ ❀Key PointsProverbs 22:6 is about shaping a child’s whole life through godly training, not using Scripture as a threat or quick correction.Training a child includes discipline, but it also involves listening, modeling, discipleship, encouragement, and consistent guidance.Parents are called to guide children in God’s wisdom while also paying attention to each child’s unique temperament, gifts, and needs.Godly training is a lifelong process, and parents may need patience, prayer, and trust during the years between instruction and visible fruit.Parents are responsible for faithfully training their children, but each child’s response ultimately belongs to God’s timing, grace, and work in their life.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.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Bence Halmosi