Is He the One? 5 Biblical Signs of a Godly Man Ready for Marriage

About two years ago, my wife Lucy and I were invited to share tea and conversation with a group of single young professionals at Temba, one of the Opus Dei centres in Kampala. During the engagement, a young woman asked me a question that many single women wrestle with:

“How can I know that this is the right man for me to marry?”

I didn’t have a straight answer then, and truthfully, I still don’t have one now. But I did what I believe is most helpful: I pointed her to Scripture.

In Genesis 2, we see the first picture of man in the context of readiness for marriage. Let’s look beyond the narrative and reflect on the foundational principles that still speak to us today.

Before Eve came on the scene, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, in the very presence of God.

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 

A man who is ready for marriage must be one who abides in God's presence. That means he is in an ongoing relationship with God, not just religious, but surrendered.

This kind of man understands what submission looks like because he himself submits to God.

This is key in a marriage where mutual submission is encouraged:

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21

A man who fears and honours God will lead with humility, love, and truth. He will not abuse authority, because he understands that he is under divine authority.

God gave Adam work before He gave him a wife.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 

Work is not just about a job, it’s about stewardship. A man should have a sense of purpose and a willingness to create, contribute, and build.

He builds not only homes and careers but also the people entrusted to his life. If his wife gains weight or faces self-image issues, a builder doesn’t criticise, he supports. He jogs with her, encourages her, helps her become her best self.

God gave men broader shoulders not to suppress others, but to lift them up.

While wealth isn’t the requirement, responsibility is. The man should have a livelihood, a way to sustain and support both himself and the family he is to lead.

“Thoes who do not take care of their own, especiallythose of their household, have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers.”1 Timothy 5:8 

Provision is more than money; it includes time, emotional presence, and spiritual leadership.

In Genesis 2:16–17, God gave Adam His command even before Eve was formed. This shows that God holds the man responsible to carry His word and communicate His will in the home.

Throughout Scripture, we see the consequences when men fail to stand in this spiritual authority:

• Adam stayed silent while Eve was deceived.

• Abraham went along with Sarah’s plan instead of trusting God’s promise.

• Isaac, however, stood firm when Rebecca tried to redirect the blessing, he declared the identity and destiny of his son.

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 

A man who leads spiritually must be present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. You cannot shepherd what you are absent from.

When God looked at Adam, He said:

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18.

This wasn’t just about companionship, it was about partnership and purpose. God identified what Adam needed and provided it in love.

A man who is ready for marriage is one who mirrors the heart of God: loving, attentive, and committed to doing life together.

In communication, love listens not just to words but also to silence. God listened to Adam’s solitude, not just his spoken words.

Look beyond charm, looks, and chemistry. Look for a man who:

• Walks with God

• Works with purpose

• Leads with love

• Speaks the Word

• Builds with intention

• And is present with you, and with God

There is no perfect man, but there is a prepared man. And often, you’ll know not by a booming voice from heaven, but by the fruit in his life and the peace in your spirit.

“You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16