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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Train up {H2596} a child {H5288} in the way {H1870} he should go {H6310}: and when he is old {H2204}, he will not depart {H5493} from it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Train a child in the way he [should] go; and, even when old, he will not swerve from it.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:6 is a foundational wisdom maxim that underscores the profound and lasting impact of intentional, early instruction in shaping a person's life trajectory. It posits that diligent and consistent guidance of a child in the path of righteousness establishes a deeply ingrained foundation that, under normal circumstances, will endure into adulthood, influencing their character and choices throughout their life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:6 is situated within a broader collection of wisdom sayings, often referred to as "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), though the preceding verses (Proverbs 22:1-16) also contain a variety of pithy observations and instructions on moral conduct, social interactions, and the benefits of wisdom. This specific verse acts as a standalone proverb, a concise, memorable statement offering practical guidance. It follows proverbs concerning the value of a good name over riches (Proverbs 22:1), the rich and poor meeting (Proverbs 22:2), and the prudence of foreseeing evil (Proverbs 22:3), fitting into the overall mosaic of practical wisdom for daily life and societal well-being. It stands out due to its direct address of parental responsibility, a theme central to the transmission of wisdom in ancient Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family unit was the primary institution for education, moral formation, and the transmission of faith. Unlike modern societies with formal schooling outside the home, children were primarily educated within the household, with parents, particularly fathers, bearing the direct responsibility for instructing their children in the ways of Yahweh, societal norms, and practical skills. This was not merely about intellectual instruction but about shaping character, instilling values, and preparing children for their roles within the community and before God. The emphasis on "the way he should go" reflects the covenantal context where adherence to God's commands (Torah) was seen as the "way" of life and blessing, as highlighted in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Commands Diligently"). The proverb reflects a culture where intergenerational continuity of faith and practice was paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Parental Responsibility**, highlighting the non-negotiable duty of parents to actively and intentionally guide their children, rather than leaving their development to chance. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Intentional Discipleship**, implying that effective training is a deliberate, consistent, and purposeful effort, akin to dedicating something for a specific use. This resonates with the broader call for the people of God to diligently teach the next generation, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Remembering and Teaching God's Deeds"). Thirdly, the phrase "the way he should go" points to the overarching theme of **The Path of Wisdom and Righteousness**, which is the central concern of Proverbs. The book repeatedly contrasts the "way of the wise" with the "way of the foolish" or "wicked," advocating for a life lived in accordance with God's truth, as exemplified in [Psalm 1:1-6](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Finally, the proverb speaks to the **Lifelong Impact of Early Formation**, suggesting that foundational training in youth creates deep-seated habits and convictions that tend to endure, shaping a person's character and choices throughout their entire life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Train up (Hebrew, _chânak'_):** This verb, H2596, literally means "to narrow," "to dedicate," or "to initiate." It implies a careful, focused, and purposeful instruction that sets a person on a specific path, much like dedicating a house or a temple to a particular use. It signifies not merely imparting information, but shaping character, habits, and direction from an early age, establishing a foundational orientation.
* **Child (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** This noun, H5288, refers to a boy or young person, spanning from infancy to adolescence. Its usage here emphasizes the formative years when character, habits, and beliefs are most pliable and receptive to instruction. The proverb specifically targets this crucial period of development for intentional guidance.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This noun, H1870, means "road," "path," or "course of life." In the context of Proverbs, "the way" almost invariably refers to a moral or spiritual path. While some suggest it could mean a child's individual bent or aptitude, the overwhelming biblical context, especially within Proverbs, points to "the way of the Lord" – the path of wisdom, righteousness, and adherence to God's commands. It signifies the divinely ordained course for human flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Train up a child in the way he should go":** This opening clause presents the imperative. "Train up" (חָנַךְ, _chânak_) implies a dedicated, intentional, and comprehensive process of initiation and instruction, not merely casual teaching. The "child" (נַעַר, _naʻar_) refers to a young person during their formative years. "The way he should go" (דֶּרֶךְ, _derek_) signifies the proper, righteous path, which, within the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, is understood as the way of God's wisdom and commandments, leading to life and flourishing. It's about shaping their character and moral compass according to divine truth.
* **"and when he is old, he will not depart from it":** This second clause presents the promised outcome. "When he is old" (זָקֵן, _zâqên_) refers to reaching maturity and old age. The phrase "he will not depart from it" (לֹא יָסוּר מִמֶּנּוּ, _lo' yasur mimmennu_) indicates that the foundational training received in youth will generally endure throughout life. While not an absolute guarantee against all deviation (as human free will exists), it expresses a strong principle: consistent, godly instruction creates a deep-seated orientation that tends to persist, providing a moral and spiritual anchor even amidst life's challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:6 primarily employs **Didacticism**, serving as a direct instruction or moral teaching. It presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship, characteristic of wisdom literature, where an action (training a child) is linked to a predictable outcome (not departing from that way in old age). The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, though not in a strict synonymous or antithetical sense, but rather a consequential parallelism where the second clause is a natural result of the first. The phrase "the way he should go" functions as a **Metaphor** for a person's life course, moral direction, or spiritual path. The proverb's concise, memorable form makes it an **Aphorism**, a pithy observation that contains a general truth, designed for easy recall and application in daily life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:6 profoundly articulates the theological truth that human development is not accidental but deeply influenced by intentional formation, particularly within the family. It underscores God's design for parents to be primary agents in discipling the next generation, embedding divine wisdom and righteous living into their very being. This principle reflects the covenantal imperative for intergenerational faithfulness, where the knowledge of God and His ways is passed down, ensuring the continuity of His people and their adherence to His truth. The proverb highlights the enduring power of early spiritual and moral foundations, suggesting that such training shapes a person's core identity and worldview, making them resilient against the shifting tides of life.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligent Teaching of God's Commands"): Emphasizes the continuous, diligent teaching of God's commands to children.
* [Psalm 78:4-7](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4-7 - Teaching the Next Generation God's Deeds"): Calls for parents to declare God's deeds and laws to their children, so they might set their hope in God.
* [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Nurture and Admonition of the Lord"): Paul's New Testament instruction to fathers to bring up their children "in the training and instruction of the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:6 offers both profound encouragement and a significant challenge to parents and all involved in the upbringing of children. It reminds us that the formative years are critical for establishing a child's moral and spiritual compass. The "training" is not merely about imparting information, but about shaping character, instilling values, and cultivating a deep-seated orientation towards God's truth. This requires intentionality, consistency, and a living example from caregivers. While human free will always plays a part, and the proverb describes a general principle rather than an absolute guarantee, it powerfully affirms that a Christ-centered upbringing, rooted in diligent instruction in God's ways, lays a robust foundation that tends to endure throughout a person's life, providing a spiritual anchor even if temporary deviations occur. It calls us to see parenting as a sacred stewardship, an opportunity to invest eternally in the lives of the next generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "train up" practically look like in my daily interactions and decisions regarding children in my care or influence?**
* **How am I intentionally modeling "the way he should go" in my own life, knowing that children learn as much from observation as from instruction?**
* **In what specific areas (spiritual, moral, relational) do I need to be more consistent in guiding the young people around me?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me when I feel overwhelmed by the task of raising children, and how does it challenge any complacency?**

### FAQ
**Does "he will not depart from it" mean a child trained in faith will never stray or backslide?**

Answer: While Proverbs 22:6 expresses a powerful principle, it is generally understood as a proverb, which states a general truth or tendency rather than an absolute, unconditional guarantee. The Bible acknowledges human free will and the reality of individuals making choices contrary to their upbringing. The phrase "he will not depart from it" suggests that early, consistent, and godly training establishes a deep-seated foundation and moral compass that tends to endure throughout life. Even if a person temporarily deviates, the core truths and values instilled in childhood often serve as a strong pull back towards the "way" they were trained in. It highlights the immense influence of intentional, righteous parenting in shaping a person's long-term trajectory and character, providing a strong anchor in life.

**What does "the way he should go" refer to? Is it about a child's individual personality or God's way?**

Answer: The phrase "the way he should go" (Hebrew, _derek_) is primarily understood within the biblical context, especially the book of Proverbs, to refer to the path of wisdom, righteousness, and adherence to God's commandments. Proverbs consistently contrasts the "way of the wise" with the "way of the foolish" or "wicked," advocating for a life lived in accordance with divine truth. While some interpretations suggest it could refer to training a child according to their individual bent or aptitude, the predominant and biblically consistent view is that it refers to guiding a child in "the way of the Lord," which is the only truly "right" way for human flourishing. This aligns with the overall purpose of Proverbs to impart fear of the Lord and wisdom for living righteously, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:6, while an Old Testament wisdom saying, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "way he should go" is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). He is the ultimate example of one perfectly "trained up" in God's way, living a life of perfect obedience to the Father's will from childhood through adulthood ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus Grew in Wisdom and Stature")). For believers, the "training" described in Proverbs 22:6 is ultimately about discipling children into a relationship with Christ, teaching them to walk in His footsteps and to follow His commands. The promise that they "will not depart from it" finds its deepest spiritual reality in the work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to persevere in the faith, keeping them on the path of righteousness that Christ laid out. Just as Christ's perfect obedience established the "way" of salvation, our training of children in this "way" is an act of participating in His ongoing work of making disciples, trusting that His Spirit will ultimately secure their hearts for eternity, ensuring they do not depart from the foundational truth of the Gospel ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Psalms 78:3

Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

Psalms 78:6

That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: