Train a Child Right and He Will Not Depart From It
January 19, 2022
Commentary
A good name is far more important in life than to accumulate a lot of wealth (v. 1). A person may acquire wealth (v. 2) but that does not separate him from the poor, for both are creatures whose maker is the Lord. God therefore is concerned about everyone, regardless of their economic status. Another contrast is made between the prudent and the simple (v. 3). The one is aware of danger and wisely avoids it; the other may see danger but puts forth no effort to avoid it, so he suffers for it. Humility and the fear of the Lord go together (v. 4). A person cannot be fearing God and be filled with selfish pride at the same time. The wicked have problems; thorns (Prov. 15:19) and snares (Prov. 21:6) are in their paths (v. 5).
If we “train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it” (v. 6). The key word in this passage is “train“. We must remember that telling and warning is not enough. Our children must see that our own lives exemplify our instruction. Unfortunately, a rich person may “lord it over” a poor person, and a lender is master of the borrower (v. 7). This suggests that a person should be careful before making a loan. He may become like a slave. A person who sows seeds of wickedness will reap a harvest of trouble (v. 8). Trouble is the inevitable result of sin. The trouble the wicked bring on others will come on themselves. A generous man is willing to share food with the poor which shows he is genuine (v. 9). He looks at others with the desire to help them, not to take advantage of them. A mocker causes strife, quarreling, and insults (v. 10). So, by removing a troublemaker, trouble also leaves. Purity of motives and words are appreciated by a king (v. 11). Naturally he wants to have people like that around him.
THE CURE OF CRIME IS NOT THE ELECTRIC CHAIR BUT THE “HIGH” CHAIR.
Application
Many families are not doing anything to train their families spiritually. In what ways have I failed in the training program of our home? What changes need to be made?
Proverbs 22:1– 11 (NET)
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor are met together; the Lord is the Creator of them both.
3 A shrewd person saw danger and hid himself, but the naive passed on by and paid for it.
4 The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who guards himself keeps far from them.
6 Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will end.
9 A generous person will be blessed, for he has given some of his food to the poor.
10 Drive out the scorner and contention will leave; strife and insults will cease.
11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious —the king will be his friend.