Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

The proverb presents childhood guidance as a powerful, lasting influence. It expresses confidence that a person taught the right way early in life will continue to follow it in old age.

Its advice is directed toward those responsible for raising children: help form their habits and values while they are young, with the expectation that this guidance will stay with them.

Use the proverb to emphasize the importance of early upbringing or to encourage adults to teach children the conduct they consider right. Its claim is emphatic, so it need not be treated as a guarantee about every child's future choices.