“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
There has been much discussion over the second half of this proverb. Is it a general maxim which may have unfortunate exceptions, or is it an ironclad guarantee from God? Rather than joining that conversation, let’s consider these three important truths firmly embedded in it:
- A child needs training. By the laws of nature, every child grows up (i.e., gradually matures from infancy to adulthood over time). While a child is growing up, he also needs training. Because he has an immortal soul which is accountable to God, he needs constant parental training so that he grows intellectually, spiritually, and socially, in addition to physically. The Greek word paideia—penned by Paul in Eph. 6:4—is a reference to the complete education of a child. All children need wise training from their parents.
- A child needs specific, spiritual training. Not all parenting “styles” and fads are wise or harmless. There is the way a child should go. Many parents will seek to raise “good, moral” offspring. If they are successful, this will keep their beloved children out of jail, but morality alone will not keep them out of hell.
- Child training today impacts many tomorrows. Habits of thought and behavior are usually absorbed by youngsters. They can launch a child with many helpful tools for success or load them down with lots of baggage to overcome. The need for wise parenting today cannot be overestimated or overemphasized.
Every wise parent prudently understands these important truths about his children.
