Today · October 12, 2026
Teach Them the Right Way
King Solomon teaches that the formation of a child must begin early and be directed toward the right path. This instruction is not limited to words, rules, or occasional correction. It involves patiently teaching God’s truth and demonstrating through daily life what it means to trust, love, and obey Him.
Children often remember what they observe as deeply as what they are told. Teaching them to pray while they never see us pray, asking them to speak truthfully while we are dishonest, or demanding kindness without treating others with compassion creates a contradiction. Our example gives credibility to our words.
Because this statement is a proverb, it communicates a general principle of biblical wisdom rather than an automatic formula that overrides a child’s personal decisions. Parents and caregivers cannot transform a heart; only God can do that. If a son or daughter strays, this verse should not be used to condemn those who faithfully taught them. Instead, it calls us to continue loving, praying, teaching, and trusting God.
Even those who are not parents can participate in this calling. A relative, teacher, church member, or trustworthy friend can leave a lasting spiritual influence on a child or young person by pointing them toward Jesus through words and example.
Think of a child or young person whom God has placed in your life. Ask yourself: “What is this person learning about God through the way I speak, react, forgive, and treat others?” Choose one truth you want to teach and demonstrate it today. Pray together, listen without distraction, apologize if you have acted wrongly, keep a promise, or explain with love what God’s Word teaches. Ask God, in the name of His Son Jesus, to remove from your heart everything that does not come from the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and to give you patience, wisdom, and integrity to guide others through both your words and your example.
Abba Father, thank You for the children and young people You place in our care. Give us wisdom to guide them toward Your truth and humility to recognize that our lives must support what our words teach. Forgive us for the times when our example has not reflected the character of Jesus. Help us teach with patience, correct with love, listen with compassion, and pray with perseverance. Remove from our hearts everything that does not come from the fruit of the Holy Spirit and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Guard the hearts of our children, draw them toward Jesus, and remind them of Your truth throughout every season of their lives. We ask this in the name of Your beloved Son Jesus. Amen.
