9 traits of an honest Christian man, according to the Bible

I’ve learned that being an honest Christian man means consistently making a choice to do what’s right every day.

The Bible gives us so many examples and teachings that can guide us, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming to distill these into something we can practice in our daily lives. It requires digging deeper into what honesty and integrity truly mean, and how we can reflect these traits in every action we take.

Over the years, I’ve come to see that the journey to embody these traits is a continuous one.

We need to allow the Bible’s teachings to shape our hearts and guide our choices. In this article, I want to explore nine traits that define an honest Christian man, according to Scripture. They’re qualities that, when lived out, help us to align our lives with God’s purpose.

1) Honesty

Honesty is undeniably one of the most prominent traits of a Christian man, according to the Bible.

The Bible places a high value on honesty, often linking it with righteousness and integrity. Scriptures like Proverbs 12:22, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy,” emphasize this point.

An honest Christian man does not just tell the truth; he lives it. His actions align with his words, and he strives to maintain transparency in his dealings with others.

Being honest isn’t always easy. It may require courage and determination, especially when the truth is difficult to admit or could lead to unfavorable consequences.

However, an honest Christian man understands that honesty is not just a moral choice but a reflection of his faith and commitment to God’s word.

So, if we’re talking about traits of an honest Christian man, honesty is definitely at the top of the list. It’s what sets the foundation for all other traits. And it’s what makes a Christian man’s character and faith authentic and credible.

2) Humility

Humility is another essential trait of an honest Christian man, as per the Bible.

I can personally attest to the importance of this quality. I remember once, a few years back, I found myself in a heated argument with a friend over a trivial issue. Pride had gotten the better of me, and I refused to back down even when I knew I was wrong.

The next day during my Bible study session, my eyes fell upon Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” That verse struck me like a lightning bolt. I realized my mistake and immediately called my friend to apologize.

That day, I learned an important lesson about humility. An honest Christian man acknowledges his mistakes and is not too proud to apologize or seek forgiveness.

Being humble doesn’t mean being weak or submissive. On the contrary, it takes strength to be humble. It takes courage to admit when you’re wrong and to put others before yourself.

3) Compassion

Compassion is at the heart of an honest Christian man’s character, as guided by the Bible.

The Bible emphasizes showing empathy and kindness to others, regardless of their circumstances. In Colossians 3:12, it says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

An honest Christian man practices compassion in his daily life. He goes out of his way to help those in need and shows empathy towards others’ plight.

Showing compassion involves understanding others’ pain and offering help selflessly, without expecting anything in return or seeking to showcase one’s goodness, aligning with what God expects from us.

4) Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a cornerstone trait of an honest Christian man, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible.

The Bible frequently mentions faithfulness, highlighting its importance in our relationship with God and with others. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it says, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

An honest Christian man is faithful in every aspect of his life. He is loyal to his commitments and responsibilities, whether they’re towards his family, his work, or his community.

His faithfulness is also demonstrated in his steadfast belief in God. No matter what challenges life throws at him, he remains unwavering in his faith and trust in God’s plan.

Faithfulness means consistency and staying committed to promises, maintaining trustworthiness over time, rather than striving for perfection.

5) Patience

Patience is another trait that the Bible repeatedly emphasizes, making it a defining characteristic of an honest Christian man.

The Bible encourages us to be patient in every aspect of our lives. In Proverbs 14:29, it says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

An honest Christian man practices patience in his daily life. He understands that good things take time and that maintaining composure in challenging situations reflects strength.

Exhibiting patience means actively maintaining a calm and positive attitude, even when things don’t go as planned, rather than passively waiting for things to happen.

6) Love

Love is the trait that ties all other characteristics together for an honest Christian man, as highlighted in the Bible.

The Bible communicates love as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

An honest Christian man embraces this commandment wholeheartedly. He does not just profess his love for God and his fellow humans; he shows it through his kindness, understanding, and compassion.

You don’t have to perform grand gestures or poetic declarations. Love, in its truest form, is as simple as respecting everyone’s dignity, helping those in need, and forgiving those who have wronged us.

In essence, love is not merely a trait of an honest Christian man. It’s his way of life. It’s the lens through which he sees the world and interacts with those around him.

7) Forgiveness

When it comes to forgiveness, the Bible is clear. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

I’ve had moments in my life when forgiveness seemed impossible. Like when a close friend betrayed my trust. The pain was deep, and the bitterness felt like a heavy weight. But as I turned to my faith for guidance, I realized that harboring resentment was not the answer.

Experts at Mayo Clinic suggest that forgiveness allows you to free yourself from the burden of bitterness and opens your heart to healing and peace.

An honest Christian man understands this concept. He knows that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a testament of strength. He understands the importance of releasing negative emotions and replacing them with love and compassion.

8) Self-control

Self-control is a trait that the Bible emphasizes, making it an essential characteristic of an honest Christian man.

The Bible advises us to exercise self-control in all aspects of our lives. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

An honest Christian man understands the importance of self-control. He knows that his actions and decisions should be guided by his faith and values, not by fleeting emotions or desires.

Practicing self-control involves managing feelings and desires in a way that aligns with one’s beliefs and principles, rather than suppressing them.

Self-control shows a Christian man’s discipline, his commitment to his faith, and his ability to make wise decisions despite external pressures or temptations.

9) Servanthood

Servanthood is the epitome of all traits of an honest Christian man, as per the Bible.

Jesus himself said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

An honest Christian man embraces this calling wholeheartedly. He sees every opportunity to help or serve others, not as a burden, but as a privilege. He understands that in serving others, he is serving God.

Being a servant means having a humble heart that seeks to uplift others without expecting anything in return.

Reflecting on the path

Walking the path of an honest Christian man is an ongoing process, one that calls for commitment and a heart aligned with God’s will. I’ve found that traits like humility, compassion, and faithfulness aren’t just characteristics to aspire to—they’re the foundation of a life lived in accordance with Scripture.

Micah 6:8 offers a simple yet profound guide: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse reminds me that our journey involves living these principles in everything we do.

Living out these traits isn’t always easy, but it’s in the small, everyday decisions where our true character is revealed. Each moment offers a chance to reflect God’s love and integrity to those around us.

For me, the goal is to let these traits guide my actions, not as a checklist to complete, but as a way of life that brings me closer to God and to others.