What does the Bible say about being a godly man?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Both men and women were created in God's image, designed to reflect Him and display His character in their lives (Genesis 1:27). Scripture shows that like all godly people, a godly man should desire to live in accordance with the image he was made in. A godly man puts God first in his life. He also treats others well — in a way that reflects the fruit of the Spirit and that glorifies God. Though a godly man knows he isn’t perfect (James 3:2), his goal should be holiness and living for righteousness’ sake (1 Peter 1:16). For a man who is married, the Bible gives guidance on his role as husband. For a man who is a father, he is to discipline his children in love. Any man can be godly if he loves God and seeks to obey Him in all things (Luke 10:27; Galatians 2:20).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Godly men love God in the way Deuteronomy 6:5 describes: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
• Godly men also love others as Leviticus 19:18 says– “as yourself.” In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the primacy of these to commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).
• The godly man seeks God and develops a greater devotion to Him over time (Isaiah 55:6–7).
• While worldly men may try to stifle their emotions, godly men are not hesitant to display their emotions, including showing joy in the Lord (Psalm 1:2; see Philippians 4:4).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• A godly man makes Jesus Christ the Lord of his life and shows this through obedience to God (Matthew 22:37; Romans 10:9-10). The purpose of a godly man’s life becomes pleasing the Lord, not himself (Romans 13:12–14; Hebrews 12:28).
• With the help of the Spirit, a godly man is able to understand the Bible and the deeper things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9–10).
• Men who follow God will manifest the fruits of the Spirit in their lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Such men “belong to Christ Jesus” and “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).
• The worldly man may be quick to fight, but the godly man exhibits self-control (see Proverbs 3:21; Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:2–3).
• Worldly men seek worldly wealth, but godly men seek to “lay up . . . treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2).
• A godly man takes his role of husband and father seriously, not to dominate his family, but to protect and love them as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:23, 25, 6:4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“Be a man!” That command to boys and men in our society usually brings to mind certain behaviors: not showing emotion, not letting an offense pass, being ready to fight, dating lots of different women, and even having a high-paying job with an expensive car. But according to the Bible, “Be a man!” means something very different.

No matter what role a man finds himself in—husband, father, son, worker, friend, or leader—his highest calling is to love God and love others above all else. This love isn’t shown through dominance, success, or toughness, but through daily obedience, humility, and compassion. A godly man reflects Christ by choosing patience over anger, purity over indulgence, and service over selfish gain. Whether he is leading a family, leading a company, or working behind the scenes, his actions should display a heart anchored in devotion to God and shaped by the Spirit’s fruit. True masculinity isn’t about proving strength to the world but about walking closely with God and pouring His love into the lives of others. In short, a godly man’s priority is to love and please God.

UNDERSTAND

• A godly man loves God above all else—with all his heart, soul, and strength—and makes Christ the Lord of his life.
• A godly man loves others sincerely and reflects Christlike character.
• A godly man lives with purpose, obedience, and humility in every role, aiming to please God rather than pursue worldly success or approval.

REFLECT

• How would you describe a man of God?
• How do your actions toward others reflect the fruit of the Spirit, especially when you're under pressure?
• What voices or influences in culture today make it harder to live as a man of God, and what does God’s Word say about it?

ENGAGE

• How does biblical manhood challenge cultural ideas of masculinity in our society today?
• What practical steps can men take to grow in Christlike love, patience, and self-control?
• How might a godly man’s influence shape his family, workplace, and community for God’s glory?