What the Bible means by a good man
In everyday speech, a “good man” can mean someone kind, honest or generous. In the Bible, goodness is closely tied to a person’s relationship with God and the way that shows up in character and action. Even so, Scripture is careful about the word. When a man called Jesus “good teacher,” Jesus replied that no one is good except God alone (Mark 10:18). Many readers take this to mean that biblical goodness is not about being flawless but about being oriented toward God and growing in his ways.
Key verses
- Proverbs 13:22. “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” (KJV). The verse is often read broadly, as leaving a legacy of faith and wisdom as well as material goods.
- Psalm 37:23. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (KJV).
- Psalm 112:5. “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion” (KJV). Generosity and sound judgment go together.
- Luke 6:45. A good person brings forth good out of the good treasure of the heart. Character comes from within.
- Proverbs 12:2. A good man obtains favor from the Lord.
- Proverbs 20:7. The righteous person who walks in integrity leaves blessed children.
- Micah 6:8. What the Lord requires is to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
- Psalm 1:1-3. The one who delights in the law of the Lord is compared to a tree planted by water.
Ten qualities often drawn from Scripture
The Bible does not provide a single ten-point list of a godly man. Below is one way readers gather qualities from passages such as Psalm 15, Micah 6:8, Galatians 5:22-23 and Titus 1:6-9.
- Reverence for God (Proverbs 1:7)
- Integrity (Proverbs 20:7)
- Justice and mercy (Micah 6:8)
- Humility (Micah 6:8; Philippians 2:3)
- Generosity (Psalm 112:5)
- Self-control (Galatians 5:23; Titus 1:8)
- Honest speech (Psalm 15:2)
- Faithfulness in family (1 Timothy 5:8; see good husband Bible verses)
- Gentleness and patience (Ephesians 4:2)
- Willingness to repent and learn (Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 51)
Good men named in the Bible
- Barnabas. Acts 11:24 calls him “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith” (KJV). His name is associated with encouragement (Acts 4:36).
- Joseph of Arimathea. Luke 23:50 describes him as “a good man, and a just” (KJV), who asked for the body of Jesus for burial.
- Job. Described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1), though the book also shows how hard suffering can be.
- Joseph, husband of Mary. Matthew 1:19 calls him a just man who did not want to shame Mary publicly.
Even admired figures such as David and Peter are shown failing, which supports the idea that biblical goodness includes repentance.
Do not be envious of the wicked
A frequent question is about Psalm 37:1, which says not to fret because of evildoers or be envious of those who do wrong. The psalm reassures readers that wrongdoing will not last, and encourages trust, doing good and patience. Psalm 73 is a companion text in which the writer admits he nearly stumbled when he saw the wicked prosper, until he understood their end. The Bible does not deny that injustice happens; it asks readers to keep their hearts steady.
Verses for boys
Parents and teachers often choose short verses that boys can memorize:
- 1 Timothy 4:12. Let no one despise your youth; be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
- Psalm 119:9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to God’s word.
- Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
- Ecclesiastes 12:1. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.
- 1 Samuel 16:7. The Lord looks at the heart.
- Joshua 1:9. Be strong and courageous.
Examples of younger men include Samuel (1 Samuel 3), David (1 Samuel 17) and Daniel (Daniel 1). Fathers may also want to read fatherhood in the Bible.
Relationships and friendships
Scripture says that bad company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33) and that one who walks with the wise grows wise (Proverbs 13:20); see Bible verses about wisdom and knowledge for more. Proverbs 27:17 compares good friends to iron sharpening iron. Proverbs 17:17 describes a friend who loves at all times. On marriage and family, see the importance of family unity in the Bible.
Reflection
- Which quality above do you most want to grow in?
- What might it look like to “walk humbly” this week?
- Who has modeled goodness for you, and how can you thank them?