Daily Word: Training Children From a Hebraic Perspective

We will review Proverbs 22:6 in several translations:
(KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
(ASV) Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
(NKJV) Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
(RSV) Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
(WEB) Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
(YLT) Give instruction to a youth about his way, Even when he is old he turneth not from it.

The translations are very consistent and seem to indicate that if we will teach our children about God, no matter what happens in their lives, they will eventually return to the Lord. Is this what the verse is really saying? No, and without a proper understanding of the Hebraic meaning, it can look like God's word didn't come true.

My daughter Danielle is home schooled in part by me. In the course of teaching her, I was always trying to figure out the best way to instruct her. Children learn differently, and I needed to discover the best way to teach her. She had been having a difficult time on her vocabulary tests, so I decided to make some note cards for the words. The words on one side and the definitions on the other. She went upstairs and studied the cards. The next day she took the test. She received a perfect score. I had learned the best way to teach her. That is what this verse means in Hebrew, It means to find the best way to teach your child, and when they are old they will not depart from that method. The verse is not about a promise of righteousness for your children. If you want your children to end up righteous, the best approach is to teach our children about God, and also live your lives for God in front of your children. Teach not just with words, but with actions. That is the Hebraic way.

Today, if you have children, find out the best way to instruct them. If you don't have children, remember this lesson as it may come in handy advising others that do have children. Remember to live and speak for God always mindful that you are in His presence.