Understanding Proverbs 22:6 Through the Lens of Christ
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
This well-known proverb is often quoted by parents, teachers, and guardians. But how often do we stop to ask:
What exactly is “the way” that God is referring to?
It’s not just about education, good manners, or career guidance, it’s much deeper. To raise children who won’t depart from the right path, we must understand what the “way” truly is, and how to apply it in parenting.
Let’s walk through the Word of God together to uncover this divine blueprint.
What Is “The Way” in Proverbs 22:6?
In John 14:6, Jesus gives us the clearest answer:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by Me.”
Jesus is the Way.
So, when Proverbs 22:6 says, “train up a child in the way he should go,” it means we are to train them to know, follow, and live in Christ, not just in religion, but in a real, living relationship with Jesus, the Son of God.
Who Is Jesus, and How Does He Relate to Parenting?
Let’s go to John 1:1–5:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by Him… In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. Therefore, to train our children in Jesus is to train them in the Word of God, the Holy Bible.
This gives us a simple truth:
“Train up a child in the way of God’s Word (the Bible), and when he is old, he will not forget it.”
We must let Scripture be the foundation for all parenting, teaching, correcting, disciplining, and loving, because God’s Word carries the power to transform the heart of any child.
Jesus: The Rod and the Word
Another beautiful image is found in Isaiah 11:1:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”
This “Rod” is symbolic of Jesus, the righteous ruler and corrector.
Now compare this with:
- Proverbs 22:15 – “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
- Proverbs 23:13-14 – “Withhold not correction from the child…”
- Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom…”
Many misinterpret these verses as a license for harsh punishment. But if Jesus is the Rod, then the rod of correction is not abuse, it is the Word of God used in love, discipline, and truth.
Correction is not about fear; it’s about formation, shaping a heart to reflect Christ.
Rules without love create rebellion. Discipline with love creates disciples.
God’s Word: The Only Sure Foundation
A godly child cannot be raised on culture, trends, or personal opinions. Only the Word of God can lay a firm and eternal foundation.
Consider these Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
- Isaiah 28:16 – “…a sure foundation…”
- Psalm 11:3 – “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
- Hebrews 4:12 – “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful… a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
We must build our children’s lives on Christ, the Rock, not shifting sand (Matthew 7:24–27).
Love: The Power That Never Fails
Parenting must always be rooted in love, not just rules. Discipline without love leads to rebellion. But discipline with love, shaped by God’s Word, produces fruit that lasts.
“Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8
Even when correction is needed, it should come from a place of genuine care, not anger. We are not just correcting behavior, we are shaping eternal souls.
God’s Word Has Transforming Power
It doesn’t matter where a child starts from, God’s Word can transform any heart, any attitude, and any background. It has an inbuilt power to renew the mind, convict the heart, and produce godly character.
Isaiah 55:11 reminds us:
“So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void…”
So when you sow the Word into your child’s heart, you can trust that it is working, even when you don’t see immediate results.
Practical Steps for Training Children in “The Way”
Here are a few simple, powerful ways to apply all of this:
- Read the Bible together daily. Example: During breakfast, read one proverb and ask your child what it means to them.
- Pray with your children. Example: At bedtime, let them pray in their own words, it builds confidence in God’s listening ear.
- Discipline in love. Example: Instead of saying, “You’re always careless,” say, “God’s Word teaches us to be diligent (Proverbs 12:24). Let’s practice that together.”
- Model Christ. Example: Let your children see you forgive quickly. Your actions preach louder than your sermons.
- Encourage Scripture memory. Example: Turn memory verses into a fun family challenge with rewards, kids remember faster when it’s fun.
Reflective question: Which of these five steps will you start practicing this week?
Parenting God’s Way
“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
That way is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, the Rod of correction, the sure Foundation, and the King of Glory.
When we raise our children on the Word, in love, and with prayer, we are not just preparing them for this life, we are preparing them for eternity.
So don’t give up. Don’t grow weary.
📖 Keep sowing the Word.
🕊️ Keep loving in truth.
🙏 Keep trusting God.
Because Jesus is Lord, and He is faithful to watch over His Word to perform it, in your children’s lives, and in yours.
Closing Thought
The first step to godly parenting is being a child of God yourself. You must first allow Jesus to be your Great Shepherd.
Prayer of Salvation
Would you like to take that step today?
Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner, but You died for me. Forgive me of my sins, come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. From today, I choose to follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! Begin your journey by feeding daily on His Word and connecting with a Bible-believing church.
💬 Share in the comments: What has been your experience with applying God’s Word in parenting?
Remain Ever Blessed. Jesus Is Lord.
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Let’s build a generation that walks in the Way, lives by the Word, and reflects the Love of Christ.
