Train Up a Child (Proverbs 22:6)

Train Up a Child

The command.
1. “Child” refers to one from infancy to mid-teens, when very dependent on parents, physically, psychologically and spiritually.
2. God has placed parents in the position of being His most influential instrument in molding a child.
  1. The influence of a godly, believing parent leaves an impression on the child.
  2. The chief way parents train is by example, for children are most impressed by observing their parents’ conduct.
3. We must see this training to be not only of our children but of those who are spiritual soldiers, servants of the King.
The goal of training a child is “the way he should go.”
1. Because every child is born dead in sin and inclined toward the wrong way, parents teach the way of obedience.
2. What is the “way” the child should go? Something that has direction, progress, and a destination.
  1. Godly parents emphasize that their and our destination is to be heaven.
  2. Godly parents consciously lead the children toward God in every part of their life.
3. A responsibility is given to believing parents in this admonition.
To this calling God gives a promise: “and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
1. This is given as an encouragement to the parents.
2. God declares that He is pleased to use parental instruction of the young to accomplish great good also when they are old.
3. Therefore, train up your God-given children in the way, and do so with great diligence.