Can you name the Old Testament passage for husbands? Wives have Proverbs 31 as a guiding chapter, but what do husbands have?
I would like to make a nomination for “the husband chapter” of the Old Testament: Psalm 23.
Psalm 23 is well-loved for its vivid imagery of a loving, faithful shepherd. But it also masterfully delineates the qualities of an excellent husband. The Good Shepherd provides a fantastic model for men who seek to be husbands after God’s own heart, for the Good Shepherd is also the perfect Bridegroom, Christ.
As we read through Psalm 23, we can identify seven characteristics of a godly husband.
1. A godly husband provides for his wife.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (NLT)
He assumes responsibility for the well-being of his wife, and he seeks to meet her needs.
2. A great husband creates security.
He lets me rest in green meadows….”
This man’s wife feels safe with him. She feels secure not only in his presence, but also in his care. She feels safe in his loyalty and in his responses to her.
3. An admirable husband brings peace and refreshment to his wife’s spirit.
… he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.”
He works to understand his wife’s needs, and he looks for ways to give her fresh energy.
4. An outstanding husband is a trustworthy leader.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”
He leads, not by giving orders, but by ordering his own life well. This man points out the right path by walking down the right path himself.
He makes wise, careful decisions which will benefit his wife and their marriage.
He understands that the measure of his wife’s well-being is the measure of his greatness. Her thriving is his honor.
5. A heroic husband protects his wife.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Using “the rod,” he fights against those who would harm her, and using “the staff,” he rescues her from threatening situations.
He comforts his beloved with his fierce commitment to her and with his desire to be close beside her. He battles her enemies and dispels her insecurities.
6. A fantastic husband offers rich relationship to his wife.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”
Even when a husband and wife are surrounded by harsh or even hostile circumstances, a godly man is a refuge to his wife. In difficult situations, his care sustains her. This wife knows that even when everything and everyone seem to be against her, her husband will always be for her.
This man recognizes his wife’s hurts and struggles, and he seeks her relief and healing. He fills her life with continual blessing.
7. A successful husband pursues his wife.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”
This man pursues getting to know his wife better, and he never stops looking for ways to bring goodness into her life. Resisting passivity, he is active in expressing love.
The blessed wife of this man knows that she has an unshakable place in her husband’s heart. She looks forward to staying right there, appreciating this man who reflects the very character of God.
iTo the extent that he is able to affect it.
