Quit ye like Men

A post for men to consider...

In 1 Corinthians 16 there is a great exhortation from Paul to men. It gives us a great pointer on how to be men of God. I first learned this verse in the King James Version, which is below.

1 Cor 16:13 (KJV) Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Amplified Bible
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith. Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

NIV
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

NASB Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

This little phrase means, to render one manly or brave; to show oneself a man; that is, not to be a coward, or timid, or alarmed at enemies, but to be bold and brave. We have a similar phrase in common use: “Be a man,” or “Show yourself a man;” that is, be not mean, or be not cowardly.

COURAGE, n. [L., the heart.] Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering.

BRAVE, a. Courageous; bold; daring; intrepid; fearless of danger; as a brave warrior. It usually unites the sense of courage with generosity and dignity of mind; qualities often united. The brave man will not deliberately do an injury to his fellow man.

MANLINESS, n. [from manly.] The qualities of a man; dignity; bravery; boldness.

It is my prayer that this little verse provides a big key for all men. May the reading of these definitions stir something in your heart and cause you to not only consider what it means to act like a man – but rise up and act differently. To make a conscious choice to hear and follow Paul’s exhortation to us to be men.