The exact words
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”Proverbs 22:6, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
A promise that children raised well will never stray.
A promise that children raised well will never stray.
Closer to the original
Proverbs are general observations, not guarantees. Some scholars also read the Hebrew as “according to his way,” meaning train each child in a way suited to who they are.
Proverbs are general observations, not guarantees. Some scholars also read the Hebrew as “according to his way,” meaning train each child in a way suited to who they are.
Timeline
- Ancient IsraelThe saying is part of the Book of Proverbs, a collection of practical wisdom for families and young people.
- 1611The King James Version gives the wording still quoted at baptisms, dedications and graduations.
Use it in a speech
Proverbs says, train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. I'm getting old, Dad, and I haven't departed. Thank you.
~10 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “will not depart from it”
Best spotthe Father's Day card or toast
Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it. Thank you for the training. It's going to last a lifetime.
~7 secondsto say aloud
Pausenone needed in a card
Best spotthe end-of-year card
Questions people ask
Where is “train up a child in the way he should go” in the Bible?
Proverbs 22:6.
Does it guarantee children will turn out well?
No. Like most proverbs, it describes what usually happens, not a promise.
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, Proverbs 22:6, King James Version)