Proverbs 22:6
What does Proverbs 22:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 22:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 22:6 means
Proverbs 22:6 is a foundational scripture emphasizing the importance of early childhood instruction. The "training up" of a child refers to a deliberate, consistent, and nurturing process of discipling them in righteousness. "The way he should go" implies a path ordained by God, aligning with biblical principles, and also recognizes the unique aptitudes and personality of each child. The promise, "even when he is old he will not depart from it," suggests that such foundational teaching implants deep-rooted values and wisdom, which, by God's grace, will endure through life's challenges and temptations, guiding them even in later years.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old he will not be turned away from it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752It is a proverb: A young man according to his way, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Train up the child according to the tenor of his way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Context
Proverbs 22 generally deals with practical wisdom for daily living, addressing themes of wealth, poverty, righteousness, and the importance of good character. Verses immediately preceding 22:6, such as 22:1-5, discuss the value of a good name, the blessings of humility and the fear of the Lord, and warnings against the wicked. Following 22:6, verses like 22:7-16 continue to offer insights into financial prudence, the consequences of injustice, and the impact of foolishness versus wisdom. This particular verse fits seamlessly within the chapter's broader instruction on raising up a godly generation and cultivating a just and orderly society through diligent parental guidance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.
- Deuteronomy 6:7
and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
- Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children’s children;
- 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 Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 78:3
Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us.
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