Return to Archive Topical Index


Notes on Proverbs 22:6


From Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 9, p. 437-438

1. The broad sphere of parental training
        1] Manners
        2] Mind
        3] Morals
        4] Religion

2. The necessary limit
        "Not the very best training of the very wisest parents in the world can positively secure goodness and wisdom in their children. For when they have done everything in their power, there must reamin that element of individuality which will choose its own course and form its own character."

        "There is but one gate of entrance into life, and that is the personal, individual acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of the spirit. The parent may lead his child up to it, but that child must pass thorugh it of his own accord."

From Questions and Answers, Vol. I, Guy N. Woods, p. 191-194

1. Many believe that this verse says, "Teach a child in the way he should go, and when he reaches adulthood he will always be faithful." This very far from what the verse says or teaches.

2. "Train" - Lay the groundwork of character, lit. "to put in one's mouth", more than impart instruction, both parents and children have responsibility in the training effort

        Note: two sons from the same family- one good, one bad
        Same training, same parents, same love, same example
        Difference is in how it was received

3. "Way he should go" - Many think this says, "in the way of righteousness" -- Hebrew, "according to the tenor of his way", means, in harmony with his disposition, talents, and his individual character

        Don't train all children alike. Same punishment will not work with all children. Know each child and do what is best for them.

4. "When he is old" - Many think this says, "When he is grown, an adult"

        "An individual who has been trained properly in the principles of truth and has lived in harmony therewith until he reaches old age will not then abandon that which has become second nature to him."

        This passage does not teach the impossibility of apostasy.

        There is no excuse for parents to be so busy in the affairs of the world that they do not take the time or energy required to properly train their children.

        "I do not condemn those dedicated and godly parents who did try to turn their children into the paths of righteousness, only to fail, through no fault of their own."

        Eli - children wild, Eli is blamed -Eli did not try.

        Samuel - children wild, not blamed -Samuel tried.

        Solomon - author of these words, son of David, who instructed him in what was right, forsook that counsel of his father (I Chron. 28:9; II Chron. 7:17) and turned his heart after other gods. Notice that Solomon did this "when Solomon was old" (I Kings 11:4) He had not properly received and adapted the instruction of his father.

Other Points to Consider

1. Ezekiel 18:4-20
        A. 4-9 describes a good man
        B. 10-13 describes his wicked son
        C. 20 "father does not bear the iniquity of the son"
        D. We have been guilty of stoning too many parents and not enough sons!

2. Deut. 21:18-21
        A. Parents have a stubborn and rebellious son
        B. STONE THE SON!
        C. They do not stone the parents.

3. Who Owns Your Child?
        Many sources to consider - TV, Music, Peers, Movies, Schools, D&D, Satanism, Cults, Day Care, etc.

PARENTS OF TEENS (Seminar)

TEN MISTAKES TO AVOID
Introduction: Who is this creature?
  1. Consistent Role Model
  2. Admit When Wrong
  3. Honest Answers to Difficult Questions
  4. Develop Own Personality
  5. Major On Minors
  6. Communicate Approval and Acceptance
  7. Approve of their Friends
  8. Permission to Fail
  9. Take the Time
  10. Develop a Personal Faith

Return to Archive Topical Index