Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
NIV · New International Version
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
WEB · World English Bible
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
What does Proverbs 22:6 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go,.... As Abraham trained up his children, and those born in his house, in the way of the Lord, in the paths of justice and judgment; which are the ways in which they should go, and which will be to their profit and advantage; see Genesis 14:14; and which is the duty of parents and masters in all ages, and under the present Gospel dispensation, even to bring such who are under their care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4; by praying with them and for them, by bringing them under the means of grace, the ministry of the word, by instructing them in the principles of religion, teaching them their duty to God and man, and setting…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 22:6
Here is, 1. A great duty enjoined, particularly to those that are the parents and instructors of children, in order to the propagating of wisdom, that it may not die with them: Train up children in that age of vanity, to keep them from the sins and snares of it, in that learning age, to prepare them for what they are designed for. Catechise them; initiate them; keep them under discipline. Train them as soldiers, who are taught to handle their arms, keep rank, and observe the word of command.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 22:3–9 (WEB)
3A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. 4The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life. 5Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked; whoever guards his soul stays far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. 8He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. 9He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Cross references
- Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Deuteronomy 6:7
and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.”
- Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children’s children—
- Psalms 78:3–6
- 1 Samuel 1:28
Therefore I have also given him to the LORD. As long as he lives he is given to the LORD.” He worshiped the LORD there.
- 1 Samuel 2:26
The child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with the LORD and also with men.