Proverbs 22:6 (NASB) says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." What does this verse mean?
My NASB translation says that the literal translation of "in the way he should go" is "according to his way." This is perhaps why the Darby Translation (DBY) says, "Train up the child according to the tenor of his way . . . ", or why the Young's Literal Translation (YNG) says, "Give instruction to a youth about his way . . ." A second clue to the meaning of Proverbs 22:6 may be found in a few verses later in the same chapter: "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him." (22:15, NASB)
Conclusions? Proverbs 22:6 may be saying more about the need for a parent to be thoroughly aware of his/her child’s personality and about the significant influence s/he can have over his/her child. The NLT's translation of 22:6 may be misleading: "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it." Of course as a parent I am to continue instructing my son in the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Ephesians 6:4), but in the knowledge and encouragement that it is only the Lord who can draw my son to Himself (John 6:44). I pray to that end.
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