The Bible has a lot to say about what it means to be a godly man. Here is an overview of some of the key principles from Scripture on being a man according to God’s design:
Men are created in God’s image
Genesis 1:27 states that God created man, both male and female, in His own image. Being made in the image of God gives men inherent value, dignity and purpose. As image-bearers of God, men are called to reflect His character and stewardship in their lives.
Men are to cultivate godly characteristics
The Bible encourages men to cultivate virtues like courage, humility, integrity, self-control, compassion, leadership, and wisdom. Passages like 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and 1 Timothy 4:12 emphasize that godly men are to be strong, loving, and set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
Men are to lead their families
One of the primary biblical roles for men is spiritual leadership in the home. Passages like Ephesians 5:23 state that the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. This leadership is to be exercised through sacrifice, love, service and putting one’s family before personal interests (Eph 5:25, 1 Cor 13:4-7).
Men are to provide for their families
The Bible instructs men to provide financially for their families. 1 Timothy 5:8 warns that those who do not provide for relatives, especially immediate family, have denied the faith. Providing gives men purpose and alleviates burdens on the wife so she can effectively manage the household (Proverbs 31:10-31).
Men are to protect their families
One aspect of godly leadership is protecting one’s wife and children. Psalms 82:3-4 calls men to “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” This protective role is seen in how men are to gently treat their wives (Colossians 3:19).
Men should treat women with respect
Scripture calls men to treat all women with dignity and respect, both inside and outside of marriage. Passages like 1 Peter 3:7 instruct men to honor their wives. The golden rule applies – men should treat women the same way they would want female relatives treated (Matt 7:12).
Men are to cultivate healthy friendships
The Bible highlights close friendships between men, such as David and Jonathan. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes the value of friendships for providing counsel, assistance and accountability. Godly men need godly friends to sharpen one another in faith and character (Proverbs 27:17).
Men are to be active in the church
Men play a key role in the local church, using their talents and spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 16:13 calls men to “act like men” and be courageous in service. Male leadership in the church is modeled in passages like 1 Timothy 3 which outlines qualifications for overseers and deacons.
Men are to be providers for the needy
Biblical manhood involves looking out for the needs of others, especially those vulnerable like widows and orphans. James 1:27 states that pure religion is to care for widows and orphans. Men are to leverage their power and influence to seek the good of those disadvantaged in society.
Men are to pursue sexual purity
God’s design for sexuality is that it be confined to marriage between one man and one woman. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:18 instruct men to flee from sexual immorality. Men are to guard their eyes and minds, maintaining moral purity in both thought and deeds (Matt 5:28, Philippians 4:8).
Men are to control their anger
A godly man is slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19-20). He exercises self-control over his temper, not being overbearing or quick tempered (Titus 1:7). When angry, a righteous man acts carefully, not sinning in his wrath (Psalm 4:4, Ephesians 4:26).
Men are to persevere through hardship
Biblical manhood requires persevering through trials, standing firm in the faith. Passages like 1 Corinthians 16:13 encourage men to “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Godly men trust in God’s sovereignty during difficulties, being assured of His purpose and presence.
Men are to exemplify humility and gentleness
Contrary to some modern conceptions of manhood, the Bible calls men to exhibit humility, gentleness and patience. Ephesians 4:2 instructs men to walk in humility and gentleness, bearing with one another in love. True strength is shown not through harshness but through meekness and restraint.
Men are to be faithful husbands
Those called to marriage are to faithfully uphold their marriage covenants. Hebrews 13:4 calls for honor in marriage which God will judge. Faithfulness applies to both physical and emotional dimensions – men are to forsake all others and cleave to their wives (Genesis 2:24).
Men are to responsibly manage resources
God calls men to use wisdom and prudence in handling finances and other resources. This managerial role requires men to be responsible, plan ahead, and exercise stewardship in allocating resources for provision and investment (Proverbs 27:23-27, Luke 14:28-30).
Men are to serve as loving fathers
Fathers play a vital role in teaching, training and loving their children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Godly fathers point their kids to Christ through modeling, encouragement, affection and biblical counsel.
Men are subject to church authority
Male spiritual leadership in the church does not imply exemption from submission to church authority. Passages like Hebrews 13:17 instruct all Christians, including men, to submit to church leaders as they keep watch over people’s souls.
Men ultimately answer to God
Biblical manhood starts with recognizing that men are accountable before God for how they live their lives. Romans 14:12 reminds that “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” This accountability encourages men to live reverently unto the Lord.
In summary, biblical manhood is defined by qualities like leadership, provision, protection, humility, integrity, selflessness, courage, sexual purity and spiritual maturity. By God’s grace, men can aspire to model the character of righteousness, compassion and godliness portrayed in Jesus Christ. The Bible offers timeless principles for men seeking to align with and further God’s purposes.
