Faithfulness can be a bit subjective I suppose, but the book of Proverbs points us to a “faithful man.” 

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
    but a man of understanding draws them out.

 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
    but a faithful man who can find?

The righteous man leads a blameless life;
    blessed are his children after him. (Proverbs 20:5-7 NIV)

Men are different from woman. They think differently, feel differently, process differently, and even communicate differently. Men’s priorities are often different from a woman’s. Men’s friends are less judgmental and critical, taking one another at face value. Men love solutions and fixing things, even their wife’s problems. Men often have a backup plan. A man sees work differently than his wife, provision differently, rest differently, and play differently. Men like to conquer, have purpose in their day, and bring resolve through a male-oriented solution.

I am not saying women are none of these things, I am simply trying to help define some of the God-given differences that we need in our relationships. It is why women need men and men need women; they provide the different sides of God to one other. 

Men may define “faithful” differently than women. Men are faithful when they provide for their family. Men are faithful when they work overtime for a few extra dollars. Men are faithful when they put together that swing set in the back yard. Men are faithful when they change the oil in their car. You get the idea? Men see faithfulness in doing, not just in being. Further:

Faithful men do not lack purpose. Men without purpose get into trouble. 

Faithful men do not invest romantic energy outside of their marriage.

Faithful men have their wife as their confidant, not same sex friendships.

Faithful men do not engage in secret habits.

Faithful men are dependable and true to their word.

Faithful men protect their most important relationships with boundaries.

Faithful men act in love and are present, active in the lives of their children.

If your faithful man falls into any of these categories then thank him, affirm him, and be grateful. If he is missing the mark in any area of faithfulness then pray for him, believe in him, and trust him to grow as his Father works in those areas.

“…a faithful man who can find?” God can.

“…righteous men lead a blameless life, blessed are his children after him.” Faithful men are leaving a legacy of blessing to their children.