The Righteous Man: A Man’s Version of the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman

The Righteous Man: A Man’s Version of the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman

In Christian circles, Proverbs 31 is often highlighted as the ultimate model of a virtuous woman—diligent, strong, honorable, and wise. But what about men? Does the Bible provide a similar blueprint for what a godly man should strive to be?

While Proverbs 31 showcases the high calling of a virtuous woman, Job 29 offers a powerful parallel—a portrait of the Righteous Man. Job, in reflecting on his former life before suffering struck, describes the kind of man who walks closely with God and blesses those around him. He is the Proverbs 31 Man—the Warrior-King—the Man of Integrity and Strength.

9 Characteristics of the Righteous Man from Job 29 (and 3 more to Anchor it in)

1. He Walks in the Favor of God (Job 29:2-5)
   “Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When His lamp shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness.”
   A righteous man seeks God’s presence, walks in His light, and is guided by His wisdom. Just as the Proverbs 31 woman fears the Lord (Prov. 31:30), the righteous man’s life is marked by divine favor.
2. He is a Leader & Protector (Job 29:7-8)
   “When I went out to the gate by the city, when I took my seat in the open square, The young men saw me and hid, and the aged arose and stood.”
   Like the Proverbs 31 woman who manages her household with diligence, the righteous man leads with honor and strength, earning the respect of those around him.
3. He is a Defender of the Weak (Job 29:12-13)
   “Because I delivered the poor who cried out, the fatherless and the one who had no helper. The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.”
   He lives out Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
4. He is Clothed in Righteousness (Job 29:14)
   “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban.”
   Just as the Proverbs 31 woman is clothed in strength and dignity, the righteous man wears righteousness as his identity.
5. He Brings Justice and Fairness (Job 29:15-16)
   “I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame. I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know.”
   He seeks truth, defends the defenseless, and ensures justice is done.
6. He Crushes Wickedness (Job 29:17)
   “I broke the fangs of the wicked, and plucked the victim from his teeth.”
   A righteous man does not tolerate evil. Like Jesus overturning the money changers’ tables, he is fierce in protecting those under his care.
7. He Lives in Abundance & Blessing (Job 29:18-20)
   “Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest, and multiply my days as the sand. My root is spread out to the waters, and the dew lies all night on my branch. My glory is fresh within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’”
   Just as the Proverbs 31 woman’s efforts lead to prosperity, the righteous man’s work is blessed and fruitful.
8. He Speaks Wisdom & Gives Counsel (Job 29:21-23)
   “Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them as dew.”
   Just as the Proverbs 31 woman speaks with wisdom and kindness (Prov. 31:26), the righteous man is known for his wise counsel.
9. He is a Source of Joy & Encouragement (Job 29:24-25)
   “If I mocked at them, they did not believe it, and the light of my countenance they did not cast down. I chose the way for them, and sat as chief; So I dwelt as a king in the army, as one who comforts mourners.”
   A righteous man lifts others up, bringing hope and joy.

BONUS SCRIPTURES:

1. He Walks in Humility & Reverence for God (Micah 6:8)
   The final and most crucial trait of the righteous man is found in Micah 6:8:
   “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
   Just as the Proverbs 31 woman fears the Lord, the righteous man walks in humility, knowing that his strength, wisdom, and blessings all come from God.
2. He Perseveres Through Trials (Proverbs 24:16)
   “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”
   A righteous man does not give up. Even in failure, hardship, or battle, he rises again, trusting in God’s strength to carry him forward.
3. He Walks in Integrity & Leaves a Legacy (Proverbs 20:7)
   “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
   The righteous man doesn’t live just for himself—he lives to leave a legacy of faith, strength, and integrity for generations to come.

Righteous Man Verse Chart:

Final Charge to Men: Strive for Greatness in God

God has given us a clear path to righteousness—not one built on worldly success, but on character, integrity, and an unshakable faith in Him.

Men, you are called to be leaders, protectors, providers, and warriors of righteousness. You are to love justice, walk in mercy, and serve humbly.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a picture of feminine virtue. Job 29, alongside Proverbs 24:16 and Proverbs 20:7, presents the Proverbs 31 Man—the Righteous Man—the Warrior-King.

The question is: Will you rise to the call?