Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

I have loved and held onto this verse for years for my children. In fact, I have seen this one verse as a tremendous hope for two generations, mine and theirs. Before every young person stretches two roads: one on which they would go and one on which they should go. Our verse encourages parents to train their children. The Hebrew word for train means to constrict, to choke, to narrow. Without guidance, most children will be a shame to their mothers (Proverbs 29:15) and choose the wrong path.

Yet God gives parents the obligation and opportunity to be influential in their child’s decision-making, helping them to consider the end, the promises of God, and the wickedness of our flesh.  Training should start early we are told, training with a purpose and a goal. Training should be practical and applicable; our example is the best teaching tool. What an awesome verse and promise from God. What our kids learn while they are young will touch their decisions about the Lord even later in life. 

Rooting and praying for you parents and parents-to-be,

Pastor Jack Abeelen