In God’s eyes, a successful man is one who lives out what the Bible says about being a man in every situation of every day.
Today, men measure success in a multitude of ways. But God really has only Christian or Biblical standards for manhood. While that sounds simple, each of us knows it’s not. For one thing, we don’t always know what the Bible says about being a man. For that, we need to dig into His Word and prayerfully seek His answers. But even when we do know what it means to be a biblical man, we’re not sure how to live it out in a winsome, meaningful way.
Our spirit might be willing, but the flesh can still be weak.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Seven basics of biblical manhood
Honestly, you’ll never learn everything the Bible says about being a man in this lifetime. God’s Word has more truth than we could ever uncover and apply. We’ll only get the full picture in eternity.
But God still expects us to study the Scriptures and to put what we do learn into practice during our time on earth. While that touches a lot of areas, we want to zero in on some solid principles related to what the Bible says about being a man. The list below has seven truths that can serve as a springboard for your study. They’re not all God has to say about biblical manhood, but they are steps in the right direction.
1. You are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).
God created everything we see, but the creation of humans was different than anything that surrounds us. That’s an important part of discovering what the Bible says about being a man. We were made in His image. He doesn’t say that about any other part of creation. And while scholars and theologians have spent centuries debating exactly what that means, it’s clear that we were made to reflect His nature and His character. That gives us purpose, and it’s key to becoming a biblical man.
2. You are the spiritual head of your household (Ephesians 5:22-33).
Husbands and wives are called to be a team. But every team has a captain; and, in God’s plans, the husband is the captain of his home. He is the one who provides leadership and direction. It’s not a position of privilege. It’s a position of responsibility—a responsibility for which God will hold us accountable. Becoming a biblical man means being a leader worth following, starting under your own roof.
3. You are called to avoid sin (Psalm 1:1-3).
As you learn more about what the Bible says about being a man, you’ll realize that the path to prosperity isn’t rooted in wealth or power. It’s grounded in holiness. God blesses those who pursue Him with all their heart and strive to keep His commands. If you want to succeed as a man and as a believer, do what’s right every chance you get. Biblical men avoid sin.
4. You must provide for your family (1 Timothy 5:8).
The apostle Paul used some pretty strong language when it came to this aspect of becoming a biblical man. Real men provide for and protect their families. Anyone who refuses to accept that responsibility is living like an unbeliever. Anyone who pursues intentional and biblical fatherhood lives for God’s Will. So, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, or financial, your job is to make sure your wife and kids have everything they need. It’s a big job, but it’s an important part of knowing what the Bible says about being a man.
5. You need to be mentored and serve as a mentor (Proverbs 27:17).
Men’s ministries talk a lot about iron sharpening iron. That’s because the idea of mentorship is central to what the Bible says about being a man. Becoming a biblical man is a team sport. No one is an island, and you need to live out both sides of the equation. It’s great to have men who will sharpen you as mentors. We need that. But you also need to actively seek men you can mentor. The apostle Paul wrote that we take in what others provide as a way to pass that truth to new generations (2 Timothy 2:2). So, prayerfully seek out mentors, even as you prayerfully seek those you can mentor.
6. You are called to live with courage (Joshua 1:6-9).
Joshua had some huge shoes to fill after Moses moved off the scene. With the promised land spread out before him and millions of people eagerly waiting behind him, it’s tough to blame Joshua for wondering if he was up to the challenge. But God told him to be strong and courageous—not just once, but multiple times in a single paragraph. Then, He put the cherry on top by moving the people to give Joshua the same encouragement (Joshua 1:16-18). Biblical men are steadfast and courageous, not passive. With an active faith in God, they face the challenges in life, grateful for victories and are made stronger by failures.
7. You need to do what God has told you to do (Micah 6:8).
Sometimes, when it comes to knowing what the Bible says about being a man, God makes it crystal clear. Through the prophet Micah, God revealed what being a biblical man includes practicing justice, living with mercy, and walking in humility. When we do what’s right, demonstrate compassion, and remember who we are compared to God, we take huge steps toward becoming more like our Creator—and toward becoming the men He created us to be.
Being a Man is Being an Example
Before we wrap up these principles on living as a biblical man, let me emphasize one more verse, 1 Timothy 4:12. In this verse, Paul challenged his young friend to be an example to believers in every area of life. He wanted Timothy to blaze the trail for others, to be a living illustration of what the Bible says about being a man.
God issues the same challenge to us. We’re called to show others what being a biblical man looks like in real life. We have the task of pointing people toward Him so He can draw them to Himself (John 12:32). Being a witness to the watching world is the ultimate mark of a biblical man . . . and the culmination of everything the Bible says about being a man.
