Your son asks what real manhood looks like. Your husband struggles to define himself beyond his job title. Your brother measures his worth by biceps and bank accounts.
And everywhere you look, masculinity is either toxic or neutered, with no middle ground—no model that’s both strong and gentle, courageous and humble, leading and serving.
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man will show you God’s heart for Christian manhood—masculinity that reflects Christ.
Maybe you’re asking yourself what it truly means to be a godly man in today’s world. Perhaps you’re praying for the men in your life to grow in their faith.
You might be a father wondering how to model Christ-like character for your sons, or a young man seeking God’s blueprint.
Being a godly man isn’t about worldly strength or self-made success. It’s about reflecting Christ’s character through integrity, humility, courage, and love.
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man paint a picture of masculinity rooted in serving others, leading with gentleness, protecting the vulnerable, and surrendering to God’s authority.
Bible Verses That Explain the Characteristics of a Godly Man
1. Proverbs 20:7 – Walking in Integrity
“The righteous person walks in integrity; blessed are their children after them.” (NIV)
A godly man lives with consistent integrity.
His children are blessed by his example of honest, upright living.
2. 1 Timothy 6:11 – Pursuing Righteousness
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man show he actively pursues spiritual qualities.
He runs from evil toward Christ-like character.
3. Ephesians 5:25 – Loving Sacrificially
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (ESV)
A godly man loves sacrificially, putting others’ needs above his own comfort.
He mirrors Christ’s self-giving love in every relationship.
4. Joshua 1:9 – Demonstrating Courage
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
Courage grounded in God’s presence defines a godly man.
He faces challenges without fear or discouragement.
5. James 1:19 – Slow to Anger
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (NIV)
A godly man controls his temper, listens well, and speaks thoughtfully.
He reacts with wisdom rather than impulsive anger.
6. Micah 6:8 – Acting Justly
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man reveal his commitment to justice, mercy, and humility.
He walks in humble fellowship with God daily.
7. Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpening Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV)
A godly man seeks friendships that challenge and strengthen his faith.
He surrounds himself with brothers who sharpen his character.
8. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Standing Firm in Love
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (NIV)
Strength and courage paired with love characterize the godly man.
He stands firm without becoming harsh or unloving.
9. Philippians 2:3-4 – Valuing Others
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV)
Humility that values others above self distinguishes a godly man.
This contrasts sharply with self-centered masculinity the world promotes.
10. Psalm 112:5 – Generosity and Justice
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man highlight his generosity.
He conducts all affairs with justice and fairness.
11. Titus 2:6-8 – Self-Controlled and Sound
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” (NIV)
Self-control, integrity, and sound speech mark a godly man.
He models righteousness for younger generations to follow.
12. 1 Peter 3:7 – Honoring His Wife
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (NIV)
A godly man honors and respects his wife.
He understands that mistreating her hinders his relationship with God.
13. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God’s Direction
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NKJV)
Trust in God rather than self-reliance characterizes a godly man.
He submits his plans to divine wisdom.
14. Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man show his life displays Spirit-produced virtues.
He embodies gentleness and self-control, not worldly toughness.
15. Matthew 5:9 – Making Peace
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (NIV)
A godly man pursues peace actively.
He resolves conflicts and brings reconciliation rather than stirring division.
16. Colossians 3:12-13 – Compassion and Forgiveness
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (NIV)
Compassion and quick forgiveness mark a godly man.
He extends the grace he’s received from Christ.
17. Proverbs 22:1 – Valuing Good Reputation
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (NIV)
A godly man values his reputation and character above material wealth.
He knows integrity outlasts riches.
18. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – Sexual Purity
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.” (NIV)
Sexual purity and self-control distinguish a godly man.
He rejects cultural norms that celebrate sexual indulgence.
19. Psalm 101:2-3 – Guarding His Eyes
“I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” (NIV)
A godly man guards what he allows into his mind and home.
He deliberately rejects vile content.
20. Proverbs 13:20 – Choosing Wise Company
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (NIV)
Wisdom in choosing friendships characterizes a godly man.
He surrounds himself with people who strengthen his faith.
21. Matthew 20:26-28 – Servant Leadership
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man reveal leadership through serving.
He follows Christ’s example of servant leadership.
22. Ephesians 6:4 – Raising Children Well
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (NIV)
A godly man fathers with patience and purpose.
He trains children in God’s ways without provoking frustration.
23. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Fleeing Youthful Lusts
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (NIV)
A godly man actively runs from temptation.
He pursues righteousness alongside other believers.
24. Proverbs 28:13 – Confessing Sin
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (NIV)
Honesty about failures and quick confession mark a godly man.
He doesn’t hide his struggles but brings them to light.
25. 1 Timothy 5:8 – Providing for Family
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NIV)
A godly man takes responsibility for providing his family’s needs.
He views this as essential Christian duty, not optional.
26. James 3:17 – Pure and Peace-Loving Wisdom
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (NIV)
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man show his wisdom is pure and peace-loving.
He demonstrates mercy and sincerity in all dealings.
27. Proverbs 16:32 – Controlling His Temper
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (NIV)
Self-control over anger surpasses physical strength.
This defines true manly strength in God’s eyes.
28. Matthew 6:33 – Seeking God First
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)
A godly man prioritizes God’s kingdom above everything else.
Career, possessions, and personal ambitions come second.
29. Psalm 15:1-2 – Blameless Walk
“LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.” (NIV)
Blameless living, righteous actions, and truthful speech characterize men who walk closely with God.
These qualities mark those who dwell in His presence.
30. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Steadfast in Work
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV)
A godly man remains steadfast in his service to God.
He’s unmoved by discouragement or obstacles.
31. Proverbs 10:9 – Walking in Integrity
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (NIV)
Integrity provides security and peace.
Dishonesty eventually brings exposure and shame.
32. Romans 12:2 – Renewing His Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)
A godly man resists cultural conformity.
He continually renews his mind through Scripture to discern God’s will.
33. 1 John 3:18 – Loving in Actions
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (NIV)
Genuine love demonstrated through actions characterizes a godly man.
Empty words without corresponding deeds prove nothing.
34. Proverbs 11:14 – Seeking Wise Counsel
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (NIV)
A godly man seeks counsel from wise mentors.
He understands he doesn’t have all answers alone.
35. Matthew 5:37 – Keeping His Word
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (NIV)
A godly man’s word is his bond.
His simple “yes” or “no” can be trusted completely.
36. Philippians 4:8 – Thinking on Noble Things
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)
A godly man guards his thought life.
He focuses deliberately on what’s pure and praiseworthy.
37. Proverbs 31:8-9 – Defending the Helpless
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are desolate. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (NIV)
A godly man uses his strength to protect those who cannot defend themselves.
He speaks up for the vulnerable and defenseless.
38. 1 Peter 5:8 – Staying Alert
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV)
Spiritual alertness and self-discipline protect a godly man.
He guards against Satan’s attacks and temptations.
39. Psalm 119:9 – Keeping His Way Pure
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (NIV)
A godly man maintains purity through consistent obedience to Scripture.
He follows God’s Word as his guide.
40. 1 Timothy 4:12 – Setting an Example
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV)
A godly man lives as an example to others in every area.
His life speaks regardless of his age.
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Characteristics of a Godly Man
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man paint a picture of masculinity that contrasts sharply with worldly definitions.
A godly man combines strength with gentleness, courage with humility, and leadership with servanthood.
He loves sacrificially, controls his temper, pursues purity, provides for his family, and seeks God’s kingdom first.
He guards his eyes, keeps his word, and defends the helpless.
Rather than self-made success, he values integrity, wisdom, and Spirit-produced character.
The characteristics of a godly man aren’t about perfection but direction.
He confesses sins quickly, seeks wise counsel, and remains teachable.
He walks with other believers who sharpen him, renews his mind daily through Scripture, and demonstrates love through actions.
These bible verses that explain the characteristics of a godly man reveal biblical masculinity that honors God, blesses families, and transforms communities.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Shape me into the godly man You’ve called me to be.
Develop in me integrity, courage, humility, and sacrificial love.
Help me lead through serving, speak truth with gentleness, and control my temper and desires.
Give me strength to pursue purity, wisdom to seek counsel, and faithfulness to keep my word.
Teach me to provide for my family, honor my wife, and raise my children in Your instruction.
Help me guard what I allow into my mind and home.
Surround me with brothers who sharpen my character and hold me accountable.
Transform my definition of manhood from worldly strength to Christ-like character.
Make me quick to confess sin, slow to anger, and generous in mercy.
Help me defend the helpless, pursue peace, and seek Your kingdom above all else.
Renew my mind daily through Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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