Qualities of a Godly Man
I am not surprised at the information I found when I searched online for “ideal man”. Every year, the standard for ideal man revolves around the trend for perfect physical body. I came through an article from CNN Style “What makes a man? Across generations, photographers have provided eclectic answers.” The article portrayed the expression of manhood across generations through men’s fashion captured in photography. The once picture of an ideal man in uniform was changed to a casual, trendy, and stylish guy in attempts to liberation.
When men nowadays are baffled about their identity, there is one standard that will not bend to culture and times. The Bible is the ultimate reference for the characters of an ideal man – a man who follows God wholeheartedly.
Elizabeth George listed the qualities of a virtuous man in her article “9 Qualities of a Godly Man” based on the character of Boaz in the Book of Ruth.
9 Qualities of a Virtuous Man
1) A virtuous man is diligent.
In Ruth 2:1 Boaz was a man of standing, a worthy man. He was a good steward of his fields and was diligently managing his property and harvesters.
2) A virtuous man is friendly.
Boaz greets his men and even strangers with God’s blessing. (Ruth 2:4,8,14)
3) A virtuous man is merciful.
A stranger and Moabitess named Ruth gathered sheaves in Boaz fields. Instead of sending her away, Boaz allowed her to glean in his fields and even instructed his men not to touch her. (Ruth 2:7-8)
4) A virtuous man is godly.
Boaz commended Ruth for not leaving her mother-in-law Naomi after her husband’s death and how she had left her own parents and country to live with Naomi. He asked God to reward Ruth for she took refuge in Him. (Ruth 1:16, 2:12)
5) A virtuous man is encouraging.
Boaz knew of Ruth’s struggle as a widow and having no means to feed themselves. He affirmed Ruth by telling her that she is a woman of noble character. (Ruth 3:11)
6) A virtuous man is generous.
Boaz invited Ruth to join them for mealtime even though she is a stranger. He also instructed his men not to mind Ruth even if she takes among the sheaves and he told them to intentionally drop some stalks from the sheaves for her to gather. (Ruth 2:14-16)
7) A virtuous man is kind.
Naomi asked God to bless Boaz for all the kindness he has shown to her and Ruth. (Ruth 2:20)
8) A virtuous man is discreet.
When Naomi learned that Boaz is one of their kinsman-redeemers, she instructed Ruth to follow Boaz, and when he sleeps, she has to uncover his feet and lie down. She obediently followed her mother-in-law’s instruction. When Boaz found out that she was there, he sent Ruth home before daylight to protect her reputation. (Ruth 3:14)
9) A virtuous man is faithful.
In Ruth 3:13, Boaz promised to redeem Ruth in case her nearest kin is not willing. He kept and fulfilled his promise and married Ruth. (Ruth 4:1-10)
Chances might be slim to find a godly man like Boaz in a godless society today. However, there is no good thing that God will withhold from a godly man and a godly woman.
I encourage you to pray for God to lead you to marry a godly man. If God wills you to remain single, then may you continue to be a noble woman like Ruth.
