Finding a Godly husband is one of the most important decisions a Christian woman will make. The Bible provides clear guidance on the characteristics that a husband should possess. When looking for a potential spouse, there are several biblical qualities that should be top priorities.
A Man Who Loves God
The most important trait for any Christian is a dedication to following God. A potential husband should have a close relationship with God that is evident in his words and actions. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.” A God-fearing man will seek to honor God in all aspects of his life (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
A husband who loves the Lord will be committed to prayer, Bible study, and active participation in a local church. His relationship with God will take priority over all else. He will rely on God for guidance and align his life according to biblical principles. As the spiritual leader of the home, he will guide his family in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 5:25-27).
A Man of Strong Character and Integrity
The Bible emphasizes the importance of character and integrity. A potential husband should demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He will have a reputation for being honest, mature, responsible, hard-working, and morally upright.
A husband of strong moral character will be faithful and committed to his marriage vows (Proverbs 3:3-4). He will be slow to anger and quick to forgive (Proverbs 14:29). His speech will be wholesome and uplifting (Ephesians 4:29). He will demonstrate self-control and refused to be mastered by anything except Christ (1 Corinthians 6:12).
A Man Who Leads With Humility
Though the Bible calls husbands to be leaders within the marriage, it should be a humble, servanthood leadership. A Godly husband will look to Christ as his model for leadership. Jesus led through self-sacrifice, putting others before himself, and serving those under his care (Mark 10:45).
Like Christ, a humble husband will use his authority and influence to serve, empower, and elevate his wife. He will not be harsh, overbearing or domineering (Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7). Following Jesus’ example, he will lovingly sacrifice his own needs and desires to benefit his family (Ephesians 5:25).
A Man Who Is Responsible and Hardworking
Being a husband and father requires much responsibility. A Godly man will take this duty seriously by being diligent, reliable and hardworking. The Bible says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). A potential husband should show motivation and discipline in managing his education, career, and finances.
A responsible husband will provide materially and emotionally for his family. He will manage household affairs wisely and faithfully steward the resources God has given him (Proverbs 27:23-24). At the same time, he will be careful to avoid making an idol of his work at the expense of prioritizing his marriage and family (Ephesians 5:25).
A Man of Self-Control
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control and warns against lack of restraint. A potential husband should exhibit control over his appetites and emotions. He will live with temperance in all areas including food, drink, entertainment, and relationships with the opposite sex (Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
A self-controlled husband will avoid flirting with or developing intimate relationships with other women. He will have eyes only for his wife (Job 31:1). He will flee youthful lusts and live with purity in his private life as well as public (2 Timothy 2:22).
A Man Who Loves Unconditionally
One of the key roles of a husband is to love his wife unconditionally. The Bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This kind of love requires sacrifice, putting his wife’s needs above his own, and cherishing her as his equal.
A loving husband will be patient, kind, forgiving, and thoughtful (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). He will use his words to encourage and affirm his wife. His love will empower her to blossom into all God intends for her to be. His commitment to love her will reflect the unfailing love Christ has for the church.
A Man Who Serves with Humility
As mentioned before, the leadership role of a husband is one of humble service. A Godly man will look for opportunities to serve his wife and family each day. He will model Christ by taking on the posture of a servant, meeting the needs of others ahead of his own (Mark 10:45).
A servant-hearted husband will offer sincere praise and appreciation for his wife. He will look for small acts of service that make her life easier such as helping with chores, running errands, and caring for the children. His desire will be to sacrificially serve his wife just as Christ served the church.
A Man Who Is Actively Involved with Children
One of the primary responsibilities of a husband is training children in the ways of the Lord. The Bible instructs fathers to be diligent in this duty (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). A Godly husband will take an active role in the instruction, discipline, and nurture of his children.
An engaged father will spend quantity and quality time with his kids. He will participate in their hobbies, sports, and school activities. His loving leadership will provide security, guidance, and a model of godliness for them. He will teach them scriptural values and lead them toward a personal relationship with Christ.
A Man of Prayer
Prayer is the lifeline of a believer. A godly husband will have a robust prayer life, interceding for his wife and family. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray continually.” Through prayer, he will seek God’s guidance and give him thanks in all circumstances.
A praying husband understands that he cannot lead in his own strength. He is dependent on God for the wisdom, discernment, and power to live rightly. Prayer will be his first resort amid the various challenges of life. His wife and kids will see and benefit from his commitment to lifting them up before God.
A Man Who Resolves Conflict Biblically
Even in a healthy marriage, disagreements and conflict are inevitable. A God-fearing husband will be careful to handle conflict biblically by keeping his emotions under control and avoiding angry outbursts (Proverbs 15:18). He will listen carefully, validate his wife’s perspective, and seek compromise.
Following the principles in Matthew 18:15-17, a wise husband will resolve issues privately with his wife first, rather than complaining about her to others. He will humbly admit when he is wrong and be quick to seek forgiveness. By God’s grace, he will extend forgiveness when his wife repents. His maturity and patience will help create an atmosphere of peace.
A Man Who Fights Spiritual Battles
One responsibility of a husband is to fight spiritual battles on behalf of his family. He will put on the full armor of God daily as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Through prayer, he will stand guard against the devil’s schemes and resist falling into sin.
A spiritually alert husband will also cultivate an atmosphere that helps his wife and kids grow in faith. He will lead times of family worship. He will initiate and engage in spiritual conversations. By growing in his own faith, he will be equipped to help fight the spiritual battles that impact his family.
A Life-long Learner
Godly men have a teachable spirit and a desire to grow continually. Proverbs 18:15 says “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” A wise husband will be humble enough to learn from others, including his wife. He will seek out mentors and peers who will sharpen his walk with God.
A learning husband will study God’s Word to deepen his understanding of biblical truth. He will read books that provide wisdom andEquip him to be a better leader for his family. He will listen to sermons, attend classes, and find other opportunities to continue maturing in his faith and marriage.
A Man Who Protects His Wife and Children
A primary responsibility of a husband is to protect his wife and children. The world is filled with physical, emotional, and spiritual dangers. A godly man will vigilantly stand guard against anything that seeks to harm his family.
A protector husband will provide a sense of safety and security within the home. He will prudently avoid risky financial decisions that could devastate his wife and kids. He will be on guard against intruders who may bring worldly influences into the home. His physical strength will make his family feel cared for (Proverbs 31:28-29).
Chooses Friends Wisely
The company a man keeps reveals much about his character. A godly husband will be cautious in selecting his closest friends. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Friends should provide healthy accountability and positive peer pressure.
A wise husband will avoid spending significant time with those involved in immorality, substance abuse, dishonest business practices or other unbiblical behaviors that could negatively impact his marriage. He will seek out friends who will strengthen his spiritual walk and enrich his marriage through their godly example.
A Man Who Is Committed to the Church
Regular church involvement should be a non-negotiable component of a Christian marriage. A God-fearing man will lead his family to be actively engaged within a local congregation. This includes consistent attendance at worship services as well as using spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Corinthians 16:15).
A church-committed husband will make fellowship with other believers a priority. He will lead his family to build godly relationships within their church community. He will model the importance of submitting to the authority of church leaders. His active participation contributes to the health of the larger Body of Christ.
Conclusion
Choosing a husband is one of the most consequential decisions a woman will make. While no man is perfect, prayerfully evaluating a potential spouse against biblical qualities is crucial. The characteristics discussed above provide a strong foundation for what women should look for in a God-fearing husband. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wisdom and patience, she can have faith that God will bring the right man into her life at the appropriate time.