Husbands must provide and lead spiritually, Nigerian cleric clarifies

Nigerian cleric and marriage counselor Bisi Adewale has clarified his recent statements regarding a husband's duties, emphasizing that spiritual leadership is paramount, but financial provision remains a biblical responsibility. Adewale's earlier remarks, which suggested spiritual leadership was a man's first duty, sparked debate on social media, with some interpreting them as negating the need for men to provide financially.

“

Some people interpreted that statement to mean that I was teaching that men should not provide for their families. That was never my message, my intention, or my belief.

In a statement, Adewale stressed that his message was misunderstood. He quoted 1 Timothy 5:8 to underscore the biblical mandate for husbands to provide for their households, stating that a man who deliberately neglects this acts contrary to biblical principles. He affirmed that meeting family needs for food, shelter, education, and security is essential.

“

A man who deliberately refuses to provide for his family is acting contrary to biblical principles.

Adewale explained that his emphasis on spiritual leadership was not about ranking it above provision but about divine order. He argued that man's first assignment from God was not making money but walking with, obeying, and representing God, citing biblical figures like Adam, Abraham, and Joshua as examples of spiritual leaders. He believes a husband should lead by example, teach God's word, and guide his family in faith.

“

Provision is important. Provision is biblical. Provision is necessary. However, provision alone is not enough.

He warned that financial provision alone is insufficient, leading to families that are materially successful but spiritually empty. Adewale stated that the Bible does not present provision and leadership as mutually exclusive; a godly husband is expected to fulfill both roles. While provision addresses immediate needs, spiritual leadership shapes the family's future for generations. His clarification aimed to reconcile the perceived conflict between these two crucial aspects of husbandhood.

“

The first assignment God gave man was not to make money. It was to walk with God, obey God, represent God and lead according to God’s instructions.