Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
While many regard this proverb as a precious promise, others consider it a severe warning, but all would be wise to recognize the godly principle on which this word of wisdom is founded. For earnest Christian families this verse was foundational for seeking to raise their children in the faith. The thought went something like this – “If I will train them well, they will not be prodigals but will follow the Lord as adults.” But this misunderstands this verse and sits on a transactional theology. “If I put the right amount of coins in the vending machine, God is obligated to give me the perfect product. If I do something for God he is obligated to do something back.“ The parents of those who “turn out well” can look back with pride. Parents of prodigals can feel guilt, shame, failure, and even disappointment with God. “What did we do wrong?” As a result of the misunderstanding, this verse has fallen out of favor. It seems to be avoided. But this verse still is God’s Word and there to teach us. In addition, I am convinced that modern parents need this verse more than ever. Children are a gift from God and to dedicate time and patience in the child-training process is the right, responsibility, and joy of all parents. All children are born with a propensity towards evil, and training infants and young people in godly conduct, wise choices, and appropriate accountability for their actions and attitudes is a God-given, tool to help set a child in the right direction for their life. For the Christian parent, appropriate training; vocationally, morally, intellectually, musically, educationally, spiritually, or simply encouraging the development of deportment or the promotion of individual gifts and talents, should always be founded on the Word of God and bathed in daily prayer, as day by day they seek to set an example of right living and of godly conduct. Although this is a general principle and wise proverb, we know that there are some that seek to train up their child in the way they should go, but sadly their child departs from the way. They become rebellious and stray from the path of righteousness. But Scripture always encourages such parents to hope in the Lord, to pray for their repentance, and to look for the day when the prodigal returns to the fold with a penitent heart and a cry for forgiveness, for it is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But there are also many who do not have the benefit of a godly father or a prayerful mother, who have not been brought up in the way they should go. There are those who, knowingly or unwittingly, have encouraged their children to develop worldly ways, sinful habits, and ungodly patterns of behavior. So does this verse exclude those children from God’s promise of forgiveness? Never! for God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Children, grandchildren, boys, and girls are all a gift from God. May we who have been given the privilege, responsibility, and joy of children, whether our own or those of others, seek to train them up in the way they should go. May we share with them the good news of Jesus Christ and, day by day, point them in the direction of godly conduct, wise choices and appropriate accountability, praying always that when they are old that they will not depart from the way of righteousness.
Spiritual Steve 