How to Train Your Child

Parenting carries immense responsibility, and Proverbs 22:6 is often misunderstood as a promise that properly raised children will always return to faith. However, this verse comes from wisdom literature offering general principles rather than guarantees. To properly interpret it, we must understand two fundamental truths: children are born with a sinful nature (not corrupted by the world or parental mistakes), and they are 100% unique individuals with their own gifts and callings.

The Amplified Bible clarifies that we should train children 'in keeping with their individual gift or bent.' This shifts our understanding—the verse isn't primarily about parents imposing rules but about nurturing children's God-given uniqueness. While teaching right from wrong provides necessary structure, rules alone cannot overcome sin. Only God's grace has that transformative power. Effective Christian parenting means demonstrating unconditional love that reflects God's grace, showing children they're loved regardless of performance. When children are secure in their identity and divine purpose, they won't depart from it. Parents can find comfort knowing that ultimately, God loves their children even more than they do.