Read Proverbs 22 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph:
21:31-22:29 {p} Wise words and excellent counsel, that our trust may be in YHVH
Pro 22:1-29 Chiastic Structure:
An investigation into the Hebrew reveals that an accurate translation of Pro 22:6 is,
Train up a child according to his way; even when he grows old, he will not depart from it.
The translators aren’t necessarily wrong when they change it to, “the way he should go.” His way, that is, the child’s way, should reflect YHVH’s way.
And now, Israel, what does YHVH your God ask from you, except to fear YHVH your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve YHVH your God with all your heart and with all your soul, to keep the commandments of YHVH and His statutes, which I command you today for your good? Deu 10:12-13
Good and upright is YHVH; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He guides the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of YHVH are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psa 25:8-10
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of YHVH. Blessed are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek Him with their whole heart. Indeed, they do no injustice; they walk in His ways. Psa 119:1-3
The “way” or “ways” of YHVH refer to His “way of walking”—His righteous conduct, commandments, and the path He sets for His people. A child trained up to walk in YHVH’s way after Him, will not depart from it when he grows old. Likewise, a child trained up to walk in a way other than YHVH’s way, will also not depart from it when he grows old. However, a new birth circumvents prior negative training.
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Chanak, “To train up,” Strong’s H2596 – Christine Miller
Derek, “Way of walking,” Strong’s H1870 – Christine Miller
Leave a Reply