Raising children in Christ – Godly Parenting Insights

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?

Cross glowing as a path leading forward, symbol of Jesus as the Way.

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?

Photo of a curious African family (father, mother, and two children) standing together in a natural outdoor setting, looking ahead with curiosity.

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

Shepherd holding staff while guiding sheep lovingly, soft illustration, symbol of correction with love.

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

House built on solid rock standing firm against storm, biblical parable illustration Matthew 7:24–27.

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

African Parents hugging their child warmly with Bible on the Study-table.

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

An African Family of six studying Bible together in the sitting room.

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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If this message blessed you, please share it with other parents, youth leader, teachers, or church groups.

Let’s build a generation that walks in the Way, lives by the Word, and reflects the Love of Christ.

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A peaceful Middle Eastern shepherd holding a rod, gently guiding sheep along a safe path.

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” – Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

God, the Perfect Teacher

In Isaiah 48:17, God reminds His people that He is not only their Redeemer but also their Teacher and Guide. The Hebrew word translated “teacheth” (limmēd) carries the sense of training, disciplining, and correcting. It’s more than sharing information; it’s about shaping character.

That is why some old Bible notes explain it as “the rod being an oriental incentive.” In biblical (Eastern) culture, the rod was a recognized symbol of discipline, not merely for punishment, but as a tool of guidance and correction. Shepherds used rods to guide sheep, and parents used them to train children. Discipline was seen as a loving way to lead toward maturity.

God’s Teaching Includes Correction

God’s method of teaching His children mirrors this principle. He instructs us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), but He also corrects us when we go astray. Hebrews 12:6 puts it plainly:

“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.”

Just as earthly fathers discipline their children out of love (Proverbs 13:24), God disciplines us so we can profit, so our lives reflect His purpose. His correction is never to destroy, but to restore.

Parenting in Light of God’s Example

As parents, we are called to follow God’s model:

Instruction with Love: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
Correction with Consistency: “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15).
Guidance with Patience: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).

The “rod” in modern parenting may not always be physical; it can also be firm boundaries, consistent discipline, or consequences that lovingly guide a child back to the right path.

A Shepherd’s Example

The Psalmist says: “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Notice that the rod brings comfort, not fear. A shepherd uses the rod to correct, defend, and protect the sheep. In the same way, godly parenting involves both nurturing and correcting.

Discipline, when done in love, provides security and clarity. It tells a child: “I love you enough not to leave you in your error.”

A Simple Illustration

A father once walked with his little son near a busy road. The child, excited by the sight of cars, tried to run ahead. The father quickly pulled him back by the hand and firmly said, “Stay beside me.” The boy frowned at first, but later, when he saw how fast the cars zoomed by, he understood his father’s correction was for his safety.

That’s how God’s rod works. His correction may feel restrictive in the moment, but it is always for our protection and profit. Parents must mirror this, guiding children firmly yet lovingly, for their good.

Key Takeaway for Parents

Godly parenting requires a balance: words that instruct and actions that correct.To truly teach a child, we must combine guidance with discipline, love with correction, and truth with grace.

The First Step to Godly Parenting

Before you can raise godly children, you must first be a child of God yourself. The first step to godly parenting is surrendering your life to Jesus, the Great Shepherd, and allowing Him to guide you.

If you have not yet given your life to Christ, you can do so right now. Pray this simple prayer from your heart:

🙏 Salvation Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I know that I am a sinner, but I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins and come into my heart. Be my Lord and Savior. From today, I choose to follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are now a child of God. Let Him lead you as you lead your children, and He will teach you the way to go.

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are now a child of God. Let Him lead you as you lead your children, and He will teach you the way to go.

✨ Closing Thought

God’s rod is not for destruction, but for direction. Jesus Himself is the Rod of correction: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse…” (Isaiah 11:1). He is also the Word of God made flesh: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God… In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1–5).

For parents, this means that Jesus, the living Word, is the divine standard and guide for shepherding children in God’s way. The Bible is not just a book of advice; it is the Word of God in print, required for godly parenting. As we allow Christ, the Rod and the Word, to shape us, we will be equipped to shape our children for His glory.

Tag: Raising children in Christ

Proverbs 22:6 Explained: What ‘Train Up a Child’ Really Means for Christian Parenting