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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_22_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:6 - A Good Name" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Give instruction to a youth about his way, "" Even when he is old he does not turn from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Straiten to a youth upon the mouth of his way, also when he shall grow old he will not depart from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is a proverb: A young man according to his way, even when he is old he will not depart from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The proverb is: A youth is close to his way; even when he is old, he will not withdraw from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that reproves a boy concerning the beginning of his way, even if he becomes old, he will not turn away from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old, he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4417" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2596.htm" title="2596: ḥă·nōḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To train up, dedicate. A primitive root; properly, to narrow; figuratively, to initiate or discipline.">Train up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: lan·na·‘ar (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">a child</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">he should go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/2204.htm" title="2204: yaz·qîn (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become old. A primitive root; to be old.">he is old</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sūr (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">depart</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-6</a></span><br />We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Isaiah 54:13</a></span><br />Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></span><br />For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</a></span><br />Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-27.htm">1 Samuel 1:27-28</a></span><br />I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, / I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Matthew 19:14</a></span><br />But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3-5</a></span><br />Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. / Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. / Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a></span><br />Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26-27</a></span><br />When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Luke 18:16-17</a></span><br />But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</p><p class="hdg">train up a child</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Deuteronomy 6:7</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">the way</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-28.htm">1 Samuel 1:28</a></b></br> Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-26.htm">1 Samuel 2:26</a></b></br> And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-2.htm">1 Samuel 12:2,3</a></b></br> And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons <i>are</i> with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Tenor</a> <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Train</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/43-7.htm">Tenor</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Train</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Train up a child</b><br>The phrase "train up" implies a deliberate and intentional process of teaching and guiding. In ancient Hebrew culture, education was primarily the responsibility of the family, particularly the parents. The Hebrew word used here, "chanak," can also mean to dedicate or initiate, suggesting a formal commitment to the child's moral and spiritual development. This aligns with <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are instructed to diligently teach God's commandments to their children.<p><b>in the way he should go</b><br>This phrase suggests a path or direction that is appropriate for the child. It implies understanding the child's unique personality, gifts, and calling. The "way" can also be interpreted as the path of righteousness and wisdom, as outlined throughout the book of Proverbs. This aligns with the biblical principle of living according to God's commandments and wisdom, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is described as a lamp to one's feet and a light to one's path.<p><b>and when he is old</b><br>The phrase "when he is old" indicates the long-term impact of early training. In biblical times, the concept of age was often associated with maturity and wisdom. The expectation is that the foundational teachings imparted during childhood will endure into adulthood. This reflects the biblical understanding of sowing and reaping, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>, where the seeds sown in youth bear fruit in later life.<p><b>he will not depart from it</b><br>This promise suggests a lasting adherence to the teachings and values instilled during childhood. It reflects the belief in the enduring power of godly instruction and the work of the Holy Spirit in maintaining one's path. While this is a general principle rather than an absolute guarantee, it underscores the importance of early spiritual and moral education. This concept is echoed in <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-15</a>, where Timothy is reminded of the sacred writings he has known since childhood, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are reflected in the Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a></b><br>The primary focus of this verse is on children, emphasizing the importance of their upbringing and moral education.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/parents/guardians.htm">Parents/Guardians</a></b><br>Those responsible for the training and guidance of children, tasked with instilling values and principles that align with God's teachings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where family and community played a central role in the upbringing of children.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_righteousness.htm">The Path of Righteousness</a></b><br>Symbolic of the moral and spiritual direction that children are encouraged to follow, rooted in the teachings of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_early_training.htm">The Importance of Early Training</a></b><br>Early childhood is a critical period for instilling values and principles. The habits and beliefs formed during this time often last a lifetime.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_teaching.htm">Consistency in Teaching</a></b><br>Consistent teaching and modeling of godly behavior by parents and guardians are crucial. Children learn not only through instruction but also by observing the actions of adults.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/tailoring_the_approach.htm">Tailoring the Approach</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "train" (chanak) implies dedication and initiation. Training should be tailored to the individual child's personality and needs, guiding them in their unique path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/long-term_perspective.htm">Long-term Perspective</a></b><br>The promise of this proverb is not immediate but long-term. Parents are encouraged to trust that their efforts will bear fruit in due time, even if not immediately visible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god's_wisdom.htm">Reliance on God's Wisdom</a></b><br>Parents should seek God's wisdom and guidance in raising their children, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proverbs_22_6__why_do_some_kids_stray.htm">Proverbs 22:6: How do we reconcile the promise of a child never departing from a proper upbringing with real-world examples of children abandoning their faith? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_in_luther's_small_catechism.htm">What is Luther's Small Catechism's purpose and content?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_'jesus_camp'_about.htm">What is the documentary "Jesus Camp" about?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_a_child_be_properly_guided.htm">How should a child be properly guided?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Train up a child in the way he should go.</span> The verb translated "train" (<span class="accented">chanak</span>) means, first, "to put something into the mouth," "to give to be tasted," as nurses give to infants food which they have masticated in order to prepare it for their nurslings; thence it comes to signify "to give elementary instruction," "to imbue," "to train." The Hebrew literally is, <span class="accented">Initiate a child in accordance with his way.</span> The Authorized Version, with which Ewald agrees, takes the maxim to mean that the child should be trained from the first in the right path - the path of obedience and religion. This is a very true and valuable rule, but it is not what the author intends. "His way" must mean one of two things - either his future calling and station, or his character and natural inclination and capacity. Delitzsch and Plumptre take the latter interpretation; Nowack and Bertheau the former, on the ground that <span class="accented">derek</span> is not used in the other sense suggested. But, as far as use is concerned, both explanations stand on much the same ground; and it seems more in conformity with the moralist's age and nation to see in the maxim an injunction to consider the child's nature, faculties, and temperament, in the education which is given to him. If, from his early years, a child is thus trained, <span class="cmt_word">when he is old, he will not depart from it.</span> This way, this education in accordance with his idiosyncrasy, will bear fruit all his life long; it will become a second nature, and will never be obliterated. The Vulgate commences the verse with <span class="accented">Proverbium est</span>, taking the first word substantively, as if the author here cited a trite saying; but the rendering is a mistake. There are similar maxims, common at all times and in all countries. Virg., 'Georg.,' 2:272 - <p><span class="foreign">"Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est."</span> Horace, 'Epist.,' 1:2, 67 - <p><span class="foreign">"Nunc adbibe puro<br />Pectore verba, puer."</span> For, as he proceeds - <p><span class="foreign">"Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem<br />Testa diu."</span> Thus we have two mediaeval jingles - . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Train up</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲנֹ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·nōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">To narrow, to initiate, discipline</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a child</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֭נַּעַר</span> <span class="translit">(lan·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the way</span><br /><span class="heb">דַרְכּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḏar·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he should go,</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is old</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֝זְקִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(yaz·qîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">depart</span><br /><span class="heb">יָס֥וּר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>