The Ideal Man & Woman?

BLOGGING ABOUT WHATEVER

ENTRY - 25

TITLE: The Ideal Man & Woman?

AUTHOR: J. William Bell

DATE POSTED: 2026-08-02

At the time that I am writing this; a lot of people are asking each other and themselves questions like:

- What exactly is the masculine ideal?

- What exactly is the feminine ideal?

Almost everybody has an opinion in response to these questions, but sadly; some folks believe their opinions are indisputable facts.

Whenever I come across a quagmire of ideas, opinions, and beliefs such as these; I usually ask myself:

"What is written in The Holy Bible?"

Fortunately, some people more clever than myself have also thought about this kind of stuff, done the research, and shared their findings.

Apparently, a description of the ideal man; according to Christianity; can be found in The New Testament. In the book of EPHESIANS, Chapter 5:

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children; and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person-- such as an idolater-- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things; God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.

Because: you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth); and find out what pleases the Lord.

Also apparently, a description of the ideal woman; according to Christianity; can be found in The Old Testament. In the book of PROVERBS, Chapter 31, Verses 10 to 31:

An excellent wife, where can she be found? For her worth is far above all earthly wealth. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will never be in need. She does him good and not evil; all the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax, and works with her hands in delight. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food and goods from afar. She rises before the sun and supplies food to her household, and portions are set aside for her servants.

She calculates the price of a field and buys it; upon it she plants a vineyard. She gathers and establishes her strength, she makes herself reliable. She knows when what she has gained is good; her lamp never stops being a source of light. She is vigourous in her labours. She is charitable, and eager to be so.

She does not fret about the weather; for all of her household are clothed well. She makes her own clothing and it is of high quality. Her husband is respected by the community as he does business with them. She makes goods of excellent quality and sells them.

Strength and dignity are associated with her name. She looks upon the future with hope and joy. When she opens her mouth, the teachings of wisdom and kindness leap from her tongue. She manages her household well and is not slothful.

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband exalts her and praises her with the words:

"Many daughters have proven themselves to be noble, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive and beauty invites vanity, but a woman who fears and respects the LORD, she is worthy of praise. Give back to her the quality of what she makes; and may the products of her work be a source of praise and honour to her.

These passages, of course; describe the ideal man and woman. They do not describe realistic men and women. I suspect that those who despise religion would find passages such as these to be offensive. It would be even more offensive if these detractors decided to be offended and ignore the other half of the teaching that comes with them.

If a Christian Teacher is being honest with their students; they would tell them that the goal is to strive to be like these ideals, because that particular effort can help them to get closer to God, as they live their mortal lives.

The honest and responsible Christian teaches that those who cannot strive are not the same as those who will not strive; and do their best to remember that God loves them, flaws and all. And; that God is always eager to help those who strive toward the ideal, and gives encouragement to those who fear to do so.

Excelsior!