God has gifted men with great capacities for responsible leadership. This can be channeled positively into the church and all walks of life through teaching, leading by moral example, and supporting righteous causes (1 Tim. 2:8). Masculine power when sanctified can be used in a positive way, such as in the lives of great men through whom God provides leadership. Abraham showed us the trait of “adventure” with God by taking steps of faith where no man had gone (Gen. 12—18).

We see vision in Moses (Exodus) and faithfulness in Joshua, even when he was in the minority (Deut. 31:6–8). David showed courage to fight against incredible odds (1 Sam. 17), and Nehemiah had initiative as a builder, organizing men to rebuild a wall and a city (Neh. 1—8).

By contrast, men like Nebuchadnezzar used their power for destruction and cruelty in war (2 Kin. 24:10–17). How wonderful that God balances this image of dominant masculine strength and power with the example of the Lord Jesus who was moved by compassion (Matt. 20:34), loved little children (Mark 10:14), cried at the death of His friend (John 11:35), and gave His life so that others might live (John 3:16). The “man of integrity” (Job 31) finds a parallel in the “woman of strength” (Prov. 31:10–31).

See also Eph. 5:25–33; 6:4; chart on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Job 31); notes on Biblical Equality (Eph. 5); Fatherhood (Eph. 5); Femininity (Ps. 144); Husbands (Job 31; 2 Cor. 6)