Train Up A Child Series

Theme: Train up a Child

Proverbs: Proverbs 22:1-16

Train up: Train up to use their skills, abilities, and talents to fulfill the will of God (Amplified). Train them to use those possessed spiritual qualities very creatively for the benefit of others, and society. Train up the child from the beginning of the way (Peshitta Bible). Give him a good start to his life (Christian Standard Bible). Train in an appropriate way to him (International Standard Version).

1. Good name (v. 1), Respecter of Persons (v. 2), Friendships (v. 10-11)

Reputation and affection of others are desirable than riches. A good name is not what name we have and how we behave, relate with people. A good name comes out of our godly behavior and favor of God and by the appreciation of people around us. It is greater than gold and silver. God is a respecter of no persons. He treats everyone equally. The beauty of the creation is Rich becomes poor and the poor becomes rich according to intelligence and skills. So train up the children to learn these habits.

Prof. Dr. Douglas Stuart, a Theologian, holds this view that the addition of the word “should” not found in the original Hebrew. Without the “should” the nature of the verse changes. It’s more about allowing your children to go their own way, not the way they “should” go. In this view, the reading would be more like “Train up a child in his own way, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (ref:crosswalk.com). Training is not disciplining. Training is shaping and modeling their character. Training is not disciplining but discipleship. Train in a godly way or to handle the temperaments in a godly way. Children are not the carbon copies of the parents. Each child made the choice to follow God at various ages and stages(ref:ibelieve.com).

Training starts with the teaching of the Word of God: God had the confidence that Abraham would teach and train his children and generations (For I have chosen him so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him – Genesis 18:19-NIV). According to 2 Timothy 3:16 ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and given by divine inspiration and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage’ (Amplified). It speaks of the child’s individual way and inclination. It speaks of discerning a child’s strengths and weaknesses and parenting in a way that takes those into account (Enduring Word). So, train up the Child.

2. Humility and fear of the Lord (v. 4), Guarding the Soul (v. 5), Surety and Integrity of Words (v. 12), Smartness and wisdom (v. 13-15)

Humility is looking into and fear of the Lord is looking up to. The most humble Christian is the most triumphant Christian (Enduring Word Commentary). Easy ways always bring lasting suffering. Dave Miller: “This is not a promise to parents who raise their children properly but a warning to those who allow their adolescents to grow up without guidance, who raise them to go their own way.” Children left to their own way are not likely to change; they’ll become adults who go their own way, the wrong way. It’s about parents helping their children discover their purpose and path in life. Parents are in the unique role of helping children discover how God has equipped them and how they can use their gifts in a positive way as adults (ref:crosswalk.com). So, teach them and train them to be humble and live with the fear of the Lord.

3. Futuristic views and visions (v. 3), Loan and advances Borrowing and lending (v. 7), Generosity and Sacrifice (v. 9,16).

Wisdom does not always engage in a fight. It is good to keep silent till evil and danger pass by. Trapp says: Prevision is the best means of prevention. Generosity and plenty stand against each other. Those who have plenty are the ones who close their hands to the Church and to the Poor. The poor, who has fewer resources are the one give generously. So teach the children to see the future with heavenly wisdom and God's views and strength.

The word “Give” expresses the act of GIVING TO GOD INTENTIONALLY WITH VOLUNTEERED ENTHUSIASM. Giving to God is honoring God. Paul says, "they first gave themselves to the Lord." Order of giving was first given themselves, then their things. This is the key to a giving heart. Motifs of giving: write off tax, gain reputation or gain more favor in judgment. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).