The Glory of Young Men is Their Strength

"The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old."
(Proverbs 20:29)

How are the sexes to be distinguished? Some argue they shouldn't be — that each individual stands on their own as self-sufficient and unique. It’s true that both men and women share equally in bearing the image of God. Together, we are called to take dominion over God’s creation.

But gender is not merely incidental or interchangeable. Ask the Olympic boxer who stepped out of the ring after facing a transgender opponent: “I’ve never been hit that hard in my life.” At the very least, one defining characteristic of manhood is physical strength. Men have, on average, ten times the testosterone of women. This biological reality has a purpose — and it's not arbitrary. It’s rooted in the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:26–28).

Men are built to protect and defend, to labor and build, to take responsibility for those under their care. But this strength isn’t given for selfish purposes — it’s a stewardship. Strength is not just a gift; it’s a charge.

"I am writing to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."
(1 John 2:14)

Young men must learn to harness their strength with wisdom. Physical power alone is not enough — it must be governed by the Word of God, rooted in what is good, right, and true. One writer helpfully defined manhood as “the glad assumption of sacrificial responsibility for the sake of those under a man's care, for the glory of God.”

This is the lesson King Lemuel’s mother taught him. A man can waste his strength, as Samson did, on lust and promiscuity — a path that leads to destruction and disqualified leadership. He can squander his strength on self-indulgence, on strong drink, which distorts judgment and breaks trust with those who depend on him.

But there is another way: strength can be invested. A man can stand up for the rights of the poor and afflicted. He can speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. He can channel his power in service of others — not to dominate, but to bless.

God is glorified when a man uses his strength for the very purpose He gave it: to protect, to provide, to lead, and to love with courage and conviction.