Note: This is a good case example of how to interpret the Bible correctly.
Below is the mind-map that summarizes the discussion:
The Teaching:
1. The Content [of the training]:
The majority of the translations is as follow, choosing ASV as an example:
ASV Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he
will not depart from it. The key points are:
- training is needed and should start as early as possible ... when he is a child.
- the content of the training should be focused on the way he should go.
Other relevant parts of the Bible tell us the 'way' is the commandments of God. - the benefits: even when he grow old he will still follow the ways he was trained since young.
i.e. Character formation begins as a child and will last through his life. It must begin as early as possible.
Implication: as we grow older, it will be more difficult to correct a habit or behavior.
The Chinese says that the parent responsibility for their children is 教养 teach and feed. Giving food and care for the child is just one of two responsibilities of a parent, The other key responsibility is to teach or train the child. A person that misbehaved is said to have no family teaching and is taken as an insult. For more on Chinese Chinese Words Make You Smarter.
2. The Method
The other grouping of translations stresses on the training method. One subgroup just say they should be trained rightly but is unclear as to exactly how and that leave much to the imagination of the reader. Another subgroup makes it clearer, should be according to the character, traits and ages of the child.
The AMPlified Bible translation combine the both concepts of training content and method together.
The AMPlified Bible translation combine the both concepts of training content and method together.
Which Version is the Right One?
The original OT Bible is written in Hebrew. So we should go back to the original Hebrew text for understanding. Best is to have a Hebrew scholar to explain it to us. Next best is to go by the concordance such as Strong for each individual Hebrew word and see we can make sense out of it. It we just use the Hebrew words to form a sentence, it is very much the Classical Chinese 文言文 of which I can understand well.
Going by the Hebrew words, I am for the 1st group that Prov 22:6 is about the content of the training rather than the method of training. The method seems to be left to parents to decide according to their times. e.g. many now use computer or iPad to train their children. However, training is more than just teaching. Behavior and character formation depends on the mind (teaching of content) and of the Will and motivation of the Heart. Hence, the other parts of Proverbs talk about 'Discipline' even with using a rod.
New Testament Version:
Another way to have light shed on this issue is to consult the other parts of the Bible, especially the New Testament. We find Paul's writing in Colossian and Ephesian that address this as shown in the mind map above. There are three things to look up for in the training or dedication of a child to the Lord.
1. Content:
- instructions of the Lord.
2. Discipline:
- Training is for behavior and character formation. The child needs to be monitored and correct as and when necessary.
3. Provoke Not.
- How do we not provoke the child, especially in the disciplining?
- We must know the character or traits and age/maturity of the child. Some child is very sensitive and will know the meaning when his/her parent changes the tone of voice. Some child is not and may need stronger means of correction such as a canning. If we overdo the disciplining, some child may be so discouraged that they give up while another may be so angry to rebel in the future.
Lim Liat (c) 2 May 14
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