Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "good men" refers to individuals who exhibit righteousness, integrity, and a heart aligned with God's will. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the characteristics and actions of good men, serving as models for believers.Characteristics of Good Men 1. Righteousness and Integrity: Good men are often described as righteous, living in accordance with God's laws and commandments. Proverbs 12:2 states, "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil." This verse underscores the connection between goodness and divine favor, emphasizing the importance of living a life of integrity. 2. Wisdom and Understanding: Good men are also associated with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 13:22 notes, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is passed to the righteous." This suggests that good men are prudent and forward-thinking, considering the well-being of future generations. 3. Compassion and Generosity: The Bible frequently highlights the compassion and generosity of good men. In Acts 11:24, Barnabas is described as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith," who encouraged and supported the early Christian community. His example illustrates the importance of being filled with the Spirit and demonstrating love and support for others. 4. Faithfulness and Devotion: Good men are characterized by their faithfulness to God and their devotion to His purposes. In Matthew 25:21, the parable of the talents commends the faithful servant: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’" This parable highlights the reward for those who are diligent and faithful in their service to God. Examples of Good Men in the Bible 1. Joseph: Known for his integrity and faithfulness, Joseph remained righteous despite facing numerous trials. His account, found in Genesis 37-50, exemplifies how a good man trusts in God's plan and remains steadfast in adversity. 2. Job: Described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), Job's life is a testament to enduring faith and righteousness. Despite immense suffering, he maintained his integrity and trust in God, demonstrating the resilience of a good man. 3. Daniel: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in a foreign land, showcases the courage and faithfulness of a good man. His account, particularly in Daniel 6, highlights his dedication to prayer and obedience to God, even when faced with persecution. 4. Cornelius: In Acts 10, Cornelius is depicted as a devout and God-fearing man who gave generously to those in need and prayed regularly. His account illustrates how a good man's faithfulness can lead to divine encounters and blessings. Teachings on Good Men The Bible provides numerous teachings that encourage believers to aspire to the qualities of good men. In Micah 6:8, the prophet summarizes what God requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the essence of a good man's life—justice, mercy, and humility before God. Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the transformation that comes through faith in Christ, enabling believers to embody the characteristics of good men. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are qualities that define a good man, cultivated through a life led by the Spirit. In summary, the Bible presents good men as those who live in righteousness, wisdom, compassion, and faithfulness, serving as examples for believers to emulate in their walk with God. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Good MenCHIEF FRIENDS; GOOD MEN See CHIEF FRIENDS; GOOD, CHIEF; CHIEF. Greek 5358. philagathos -- loving that which is good ... love of good. From philos and agathos; fond to good, ie A promoter of virtue -- love of good men. see GREEK philos. see GREEK agathos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5358.htm - 7k 2107. eudokia -- good pleasure 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle 987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely ... 2568. Kaloi Limenes -- Fair Havens, a harbor in Crete 1820. exaporeo -- to be utterly at a loss, be in despair Strong's Hebrew 2896a. tob -- pleasant, agreeable, good... 1), fine (3), fine ones (1), fit (1), generous* (1), glad (1), good (196), good and to those who (1), good is better (1), good man (3), good men (1), good ... /hebrew/2896a.htm - 6k 2896. towb -- pleasant, agreeable, good 376. ish -- man Library You Say that There are Good Men in the Human Race... Familiarity with Good Men is Very Advantageous to All... That the Friendship of Good Men Cannot be Securely Rested In, So ... How Good Men in their Contemplation have the Love of God Before ... Showing Wherefore all Good Men do not Attain to the Unmediated ... Consistency of Good Men in all Outward Circumstances. The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ... But, You Will Say, There are Good Men Also in the World... That all Good Men Ought Willingly to Hear Rebuke. Whether it is Suitable for Good Men to Wish to Rule More Widely. Resources Why is being a good person not enough to get you into heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that all things work together for good? | GotQuestions.org Good: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |