3 Bible Verses about Manliness

And everyone who [strenuously] competes in athletic events exercises self-control during training. Now they do this to receive a laurel wreath that withers, but we [do it to receive] a lasting crown. So, I run with a purpose and I fight that way [too]; I do not just shadow box. But I work out and get my body in shape [i.e., spiritually], so that after preaching to other people, I myself do not become disqualified [i.e., for winning the prize from God. See verse 24].

Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.

[Be willing to] suffer hardship with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on active duty, gets himself involved in the affairs of civilian life, so that he can please the person who enlisted him [i.e., his commanding officer]. And if a person competes as an athlete, he is not awarded the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.