Proverbs 22:1-16 [Part 2 of 3]
:: Words of Wisdom ::
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;
he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
:: Proverbs 22:1 16 :: Part 2 of 3 ::
:: Proverbs 22:1 16 :: Part 2 of 3 ::
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the importance of early education and guidance in shaping a child's character and values. The "way" refers to a path of wisdom, righteousness, and godliness. By providing children with a strong moral foundation and teaching them the principles of faith and integrity, parents and guardians lay the groundwork for their future. While free will plays a role, this proverb reassures that the lessons instilled in youth have a lasting impact on their lives.
Some examples of ways: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Training a child in the way they should go, as Proverbs 22:6 suggests, involves guiding them with intentionality, wisdom, and love to instill values that will endure throughout their lives. Here are some examples of ways to do so:
Modeling Faith and Values – Demonstrating a life of integrity, kindness, and faith. Parents who pray, attend church, and make decisions based on biblical principles provide a clear example for children to follow.
Teaching Respect and Empathy – Encouraging children to treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion. This helps them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy toward others, creating a foundation of good character.
Instilling Discipline and Work Ethic – Teaching children to work hard, be responsible, and manage their time wisely. These lessons will shape their future in school, career, and personal life, fostering perseverance and diligence.
Encouraging Open Communication – Creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves and ask questions, building trust and guiding them in making wise decisions.
Providing Moral Guidance – Having conversations about right and wrong, addressing challenges in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, and discussing the consequences of their actions to foster wisdom and moral discernment.
Promoting Emotional and Spiritual Growth – Helping children understand their emotions and how to deal with them in a healthy way while also fostering their spiritual growth through Bible study and prayer.
Setting Healthy Boundaries – Establishing boundaries for children, encouraging them to make good choices while allowing room for growth. This teaches them responsibility and respect for others’ boundaries.
By consistently and lovingly investing in a child's upbringing, these foundational lessons will stay with them as they grow, reinforcing the lifelong impact of early training.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
:: Prayer ::
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your wisdom and guidance. As we reflect on the teachings of Proverbs 22, we ask for Your help in applying these truths to our lives.
Lord, help us to value a good name and Your favor above earthly riches. Remind us that true wealth lies in our character and our relationship with You.
Grant us the wisdom to see all people as Your creation, regardless of their social status. May we treat both rich and poor with equal dignity and respect.
Give us the foresight to avoid danger and the prudence to make wise decisions. Help us to walk in humility and to fear You, for these are the path to life, honor, and true riches.
Father, guide us in raising our children. May we train them in the way they should go, disciplining them with love and wisdom.
Protect us from the pitfalls of debt and teach us to be generous to those in need. Let our hearts be pure and our speech gracious, that we may have the love of knowledge and find favor in Your sight.
Keep us from laziness and excuses. Instead, instill in us a strong work ethic and a desire to serve others.
Lord, guard our hearts against temptation and help us to stay on the straight path. May we never oppress the poor or show favoritism to the rich, but always seek justice and mercy.
We ask all this in Your holy name,
Amen.
Remember
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Never forget
“The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.”
Amen
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.”
Ask Proverbs 22:6-10 Questions of Your Own
“Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.”
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