Be Thou Strong Therefore, and Shew Thyself a Man – Part 1

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man. 1 Kings 2:2 KJV.

We live in a culture that is constantly redefining what it means to be a man. Every commercial, every movie, every social media trend shouts a message about masculinity. And if we’re not careful, we will absorb those messages without ever examining them through the lens of Scripture.

The secular view of manhood is loud, self-centered, arrogant, and vein. Whilst the Biblical view of manhood is confidently quiet, strong, principled and Christ-centered. These two views do not merely differ—they oppose each other at the deepest level. Biblical manhood is rooted in God’s divine order as stated in Genesis 2:15, “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”

The Bible defines manhood first in its identity. God declares, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” Read Genesis 1:26–27, and then forms humanity—male and female—as His image bearers. Because of this, biblical manhood does not begin with dominance or superiority, but with reflecting God’s character, holiness, and faithful stewardship. True biblical manhood is servanthood. It is a life shaped by conformity to the image of Christ, for in Him we are renewed in knowledge and created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In contrast, the secular view of manhood exalts man through dominance, status, and superiority. Masculinity in their view is measured by power, position, and control. But Scripture presents a radically different view: true manhood is rooted in godly strength, moral courage, and humble responsibility, not in self-exaltation. The circular view insists man should be boastful and arrogance about their successes.

Prior to King David’s death, he spoke words to his son Solomon saying, “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore and shew thyself a man.” In this charge, David was calling Solomon to embody courage, integrity, and godly character. David understood that for Solomon to rule well, he needed more than a throne—he needed a spiritual backbone, he required wisdom from above. The Bible says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Read James 3:17. It is no wonder that Solomon asked God for an understanding heart.” And his speech pleased the Lord. Read 1 Kings 3:9-15.


David’s charge to Solomon echoes Moses’ earlier commands to the children of Israel, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. Read Deuteronomy 5:1. In preparing Solomon for the weight of kingship, David instructed him to uphold God’s commandments and to walk in His ways, ensuring that God’s divine purposes would be advanced and accomplished through his reign.

As I summarise this introduction, true manhood is not measured by status, successes or accolades, but by the absolute and unchanging truth that, man is created in the image of God.

Dear Lord, Jesus, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4.


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