Quit you like men (1Co 16:13).—Be men! In courage; not cowards, turning our back on the foe, or giving way in danger, or reproach, or evil days. In solidity; not shifting or shadowy, but immoveable as the rock. In strength; as the man is, so is his strength. Be strong! In wisdom. Foolishness is with childhood, wisdom with manhood. Speak and act with wisdom, as men. In ripeness. The faculties of men are ripe, both for thinking and working. They speak ripe words, think ripe thoughts, plan and execute ripe things. In understanding be men! In all things—what you do, and what you refrain from doing, be men. Act the manly part—let nothing effeminate, luxurious, sickly, childish, puny, little, narrow be seen about you. Christianity makes men, not babes. Adorn the doctrine of Christ by your manliness. In the Church, in the world, in business, in conversation, in prosperity, and adversity, quit you like men! Let no man despise thee; and let no man despise the Gospel because of thee.

-Horatius Bonar from Taken from “Bible Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14,” The Christian Treasury, 1864.


Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), once one of the most well known pastors in Scotland, has been principally remembered for his hymn writing. Often referred to as the “prince of Scottish hymn writers,” he was the brother of Andrew Bonar and friend of Robert Murray M’Cheyne.


In reality, things have not changed much in two hundred years. The need for men to be men has not diminished nor has the inclination of men to turn to childish thought and actions. May God grant the ability to our generation to stand for that which is honorable, that which is righteous, and be men!
-Justin