seems the best explanation of the passage. The focus in Proverbs does appear to be more on the initiation into adulthood than the teaching of small children. Proverbs 22:6 expresses optimism in the outcome of parental instruction and anticipates that a child initiated or trained in the right way will remain on this path even in old age. The verse says nothing about a prodigal child returning to the right path after a misspent youth but rather envisions children living their entire lives in the right