What is a “Manly” Man?

I’ve heard the same thing before, but when someone said it again a couple of days ago I thought to myself, “What a jerk! And horribly deceived!”

Maybe I shouldn’t have thought the first part, but then, it’s what the guy who said it was acting like.

What did he say?

“I’ve never felt so manly.”

What’s wrong with saying that?

Context, people, context.

He was referring to how he felt since he’d thrown away his wife, trampled his marriage vows into the dirt, and taken up with another man’s wife.

That is NOT a “manly” thing to do!

So what does a manly man look like? How can one be recognized?

It has nothing to do with outward appearance. Whether a guy is beefed up like Mister Universe, tough as Clint Eastwood, or as skinny as Wally Cox; it makes no difference in the manly department.

A guy who is manly is one who acts like a real man.

Not a Hollywood depiction of a man, but someone who lines up with the Creator’s description as we see in the word of God.

So what makes a man manly?

1. One who finds their purpose and pleasure in knowing Father God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” Ephesians 4:13 NKJV

“…and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” Colossians 3:10 NKJV

2. A guy who allows the Holy Spirit to guide him, even when it’s not a comfortable thing to do.

3. A man who keeps his promises to His God, his wife and children, and society in general. A man of integrity.

4. A guy who fights for his family – their honor, physical protection, and spiritual well being.

5. A guy who lays down his life for his wife.

6. Someone who isn’t swayed from his commitments through the wiles of an immoral woman.

7. A man who trains his eyes to look no further than his own wife for intimacy, whether intellectual, emotional, or sexual.

8. A man who doesn’t treat his wife and children like possessions, but rather individuals who have a right to their own opinions. He is considerate of others, but is not afraid to speak loving correction to those in his care.

9. Someone who takes care of his responsibilities before God and man (which includes working).

10. A man who doesn’t walk in step with the godless.

11. Someone who will cherish the mercy he’s received from God enough to extend that same mercy to others.

12. A man who can readily admit his mistakes, seek forgiveness, and respond to correction.

13. A guy who is not stingy, but instead knows the joy of giving.

14. Someone who trains his tongue for righteousness and the glory of God.

15. A guy who seeks unity among the Body of Christ, while abhoring jealousy, lying, and strife.

16. Someone who does not allow failure to define him, but turns his heart back to God and begins anew.

17. A man with true friends – who can speak with him about anything.

18. One who prepares for the storms of life, while trusting in his Savior.

19. A man who not only can handle correction, but more importantly, praise.

20. A guy who listens more than he talks.

Other scriptures: Romans 8:12-14; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 15; Ephesians 5:21-33; Proverbs 5-7; Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Proverbs 27:21; Proverbs 13:3

Would your wife say you’re “manly”? Would your kids?

How about God?