God's Glory Church

“Teach a young man to his way, and when he grows old, he will not deviate from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

In the 1960s TV series The Andy Griffith Show, a man tells Andy that he should let his son Opie decide for himself how to live his life. But Andy disagrees: “You can’t let a young man make life’s decisions on his own. He’ll grab the first bright thing with shiny ribbons on it. Then he’ll find a hook, but it will be too late. The wrong ideas have such a strong influence that it will be difficult to convince a young man that there is something better.” Andy says it’s important for parents to model good behavior and “keep kids away from temptation.”

These words resonate with the wisdom expressed in the Book of Proverbs: “Teach a young man his way, and when he grows old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). This verse is a guiding principle, although many read it as a promise. All of us are called to make a personal decision to believe in Jesus. However, with our love for God and the Scriptures, we can help lay a biblical foundation. We can also pray that our children, growing up under our care, accept Christ as their Savior and walk in His ways, and not be “in the way of the wicked” (v. 5).

Our victory over “bright things”, won with the help of the Holy Spirit, also serves as a strong testimony. The Spirit of Jesus helps us resist temptation and makes our lives a worthy example to follow.

Why is it important to remember that Proverbs 22:6 is not a promise, but a wise principle? Who can you help in “learning”?

Dear Father, help me teach Your values ​​to the children You have given into my life.

By Alison Kieda