Men of faith should support their loved ones financially and guide them on a spiritual path, according to Bisi Adewale

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Nigerian cleric and marriage counsellor, Bisi Adewale, has clarified his recent remarks that a man’s first duty in marriage is spiritual leadership and not financial provision, following reactions on social media.n

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Adewale said his comments were misunderstood by some people who interpreted them to mean that men should not provide for their families.

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According to him, provision remains a biblical responsibility for every husband, but his message was intended to emphasise the importance of spiritual leadership within the home.

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“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,” he said.

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Quoting 1 Timothy 5:8, Adewale stressed that the Bible clearly commands men to provide for their households.

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“A man who deliberately refuses to provide for his family is acting contrary to biblical principles,” he stated.

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The cleric maintained that husbands should work hard to meet the needs of their families, including food, shelter, education and security.

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“Provision is important. Provision is biblical. Provision is necessary. However, provision alone is not enough,” he added.

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Explaining his earlier comments, Adewale said he was referring to divine order and responsibility rather than ranking spiritual leadership above provision in terms of importance.

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“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,” he said.

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He cited biblical examples, including Adam, Abraham and Joshua, to support his position that men are called to provide spiritual direction for their families.

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According to him, a husband is expected to lead by example, teach God’s word and guide his household in the ways of God.

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Adewale warned that financial provision without spiritual leadership could leave families materially successful but spiritually empty.

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“A man can provide money and still fail in leadership. He can buy food but fail to teach values. He can pay school fees but fail to build character,” he said.

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He added that the ideal husband, according to biblical teachings, is both a provider and a spiritual leader.

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“The Bible never presents provision and leadership as opposites. The godly husband is expected to do both.

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“Provision takes care of the family today. Spiritual leadership shapes the family for generations,” he stated.

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Adewale’s clarification comes after a video clip from a sermon he delivered at a men’s gathering went viral online, generating debate over the role of men in marriage.

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