USGN Article - April 2002
Terry & Barbi Franklin

Written by Terry Franklin

You Can Tell A Lot About A Man...

Have you ever sat in a public place and just watched people? Even casual observations can tell you a good deal about folks. Watch the couple seated across from you in the local shopping mall as she, looking very tired, rocks a baby stroller while also carrying on a conversation with her husband.

He is not hearing one word she is saying.

Instead, he is reading a newspaper practicing what all of us men think that we can do quite well: Carry on a discussion…while thinking of something entirely different. It doesn't work and only leads to sleeping on the couch.

I've observed men who had been mightily used by the Lord and had fruitful ministry throughout the Body of Christ … only to be let down as I focused on their family relationships -- not the public image, but the private one. Have you ever seen a husband belittle his wife and insult her? It's not a pretty sight. But what that man doesn't realize is, that kind of behavior speaks volumes about who HE is. A little song I wrote says this: (Can anyone out there relate to this?)

You can tell a lot about a man
by the way he treats his wife
Does he make his home a haven
Or is it filled with fear and strife?
Way down deep inside of her
Is the story of his life
You can tell a lot about a man
By the way he treats his wife

Does he give an ear to listen?
Does he try to see her side?
Will he give her strong security
And arms where she can cry?
You see, the times we feel like giving up
Or holding onto pride
Are the times that God is calling us
To sacrifice our lives.

Is he diligently in fathering
Or does she feel alone?
Does he know that making love to her
Starts before he's even home?
So he calls and speaks his love to her
And listens on the phone
Cause the power of his commitment
Is found in God alone

"You Can Tell A Lot About A Man"
words and music: Terry & Barbi Franklin
© 2002 Tylis Music Co./ASCAP
Adm. By Gaither Copyright Mgt.

Men of God, we have an awesome responsibility to love our wives, to be tender with them; to be gentle with our children. All of these things speak volumes about who we are…

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