I remember a conversation in which a brother insisted that if an adult has gone wrong, it is the fault of the Christian parent(s). This even if the adult was raised in the ways of God. Somewhere along the line the teaching wasn’t perfect, the brother said; sure of himself because of “train up a child in the way he should go, for even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22: 6

It was admirable and right that he should lean on God’s word. But something was wrong in his interpretation – thinking that if raised right, the child would always remain right.

Hearing him speak, brought a mother to tears. She had raised her child in a godly way, but this brother was blaming her for her child’s errant ways. Apparently she wasn’t a good trainer, he clearly insinuated.

But I see his exegesis being askew. It’s got to be because reality says it is. More than likely, we all know of children who were raised right, but upon adulthood, chose to indulge in the ways of the world. It’s called free-will; which, of course, is allowed and honored by God. These adults purposefully choose to break away from their training. That is not the fault of the parent(s).

The scripture is saying that godly training will always remain with an adult, even if he or she goes astray. They can’t get away from it, for it’s been embedded in their subconscious as the right choice. In this mental way, they cannot depart from the truth and its inherent offer of salvation.