What do you think?
Rate this book
The Godly Man's Picture: Drawn with a Scripture Pencil
Few preachers in the Puritan era (or any other period of church history) match Thomas Watson for his ability to combine rich spirituality, nourishing doctrine and sane wisdom with fascinating illustration and a pleasant style. Watson is remembered chiefly for his posthumously published Body of Practical Divinity (reprinted by the Trust in three volumes). But his extant sermons also include this marvellous series on the character of the Christian - The Godly Man's Picture. It is, as C.H. Spurgeon said of his other work, 'a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom'. Watson is always the essence of sanity and reliability. But in addition, this work shows how attractive the grace of God is. Christians of all stages, reading it for the first time, will feel as if they have entered the gallery of a great portrait painter. As his sub-title suggests, Watson works with 'a Scripture pencil' in this priceless sketch of the true believer.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2021
28 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Watson
674 books247 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.
(Information from wikipedia.org)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 23, 2025
Just finished this book after slowly walking through it section by section as a part of my quiet times. I don't think I have ever read a book that was so encouraging, thought-provoking, and motivating. Watson, like many Puritans, has a unique ability to wield the sword of the spirit like a surgeon's scalpel. He is able to divide bone from marrow as he considers all the attributes that characterize a Godly person. He spends the majority of the book drawing the picture of the Godly man (hence the name) but does not do so in a generic way. He is careful, as he discusses each attribute to distinguish between what is truly a product of grace and what may be mistaken for Godly virtue, but in reality is sinful vice.
This book helped me pray for my sanctification. As Watson meticulously drew the picture of the Godly person, I found myself begging the Lord that we would conform me to that image.
Such an amazing book. This one is going on the must-read shelf. 5 Stars no doubt!
This book helped me pray for my sanctification. As Watson meticulously drew the picture of the Godly person, I found myself begging the Lord that we would conform me to that image.
Such an amazing book. This one is going on the must-read shelf. 5 Stars no doubt!
May 9, 2025
Dang… Where to start. This book reprimanded areas of my heart that needed it, so rich, convicting, and edifying. No page was turned that didn’t have me thinking of Christ, his work on the cross, and my need for a savior, but the joy and hope that is found in the Gospel!!! Watsons writing on top of being so pointed is so beautiful! A must read and re-read for everyone!
“Faith is a world conquering grace (1 John 5:4). It overcomes the world’s music and crucible; it steels a Christian with divine courage, and makes him stand immovable, like a rock in the midst of the sea.”
“The Word written is our pillar of fire to guide us. It shows us what rocks we are to avoid; it is the map by which we sail to the new Jerusalem”
“The grace we have is not of our own growth… We are beholden to Christ and free grace for it. As he said if that axe which fell in the water, ‘Alas, master, for it was borrowed’, so I may say all the good and excellence in us, ‘It is borrowed’… And what hast thou that thou first not receive? The moon has no cause to be proud of her light when she borrows it from the sun.”
“Faith is a world conquering grace (1 John 5:4). It overcomes the world’s music and crucible; it steels a Christian with divine courage, and makes him stand immovable, like a rock in the midst of the sea.”
“The Word written is our pillar of fire to guide us. It shows us what rocks we are to avoid; it is the map by which we sail to the new Jerusalem”
“The grace we have is not of our own growth… We are beholden to Christ and free grace for it. As he said if that axe which fell in the water, ‘Alas, master, for it was borrowed’, so I may say all the good and excellence in us, ‘It is borrowed’… And what hast thou that thou first not receive? The moon has no cause to be proud of her light when she borrows it from the sun.”
December 27, 2022
Drawing from countless passages of Scripture, Watson says that godly men are to be careful about the worship of God, have humility and sincerity, be patient and thankful, and much more. I was reminded of several godly men that model many of these qualities well, but mostly that Christ, our perfect Husband, is the perfect picture of them all.
This was especially convicting to read during my first, six months of marriage!
This was especially convicting to read during my first, six months of marriage!
February 2, 2026
“Jesus Christ will not discourage the weakest grace but will cherish and preserve it to eternity.”
Of the sweetness of His nature, Christ’s compassion is made evident to a dejected sinner. Look on Christ. “Have we concerned to the match? Is it enough that Christ is willing to have us, but are we willing to have him?” None loves like Christ.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Of the sweetness of His nature, Christ’s compassion is made evident to a dejected sinner. Look on Christ. “Have we concerned to the match? Is it enough that Christ is willing to have us, but are we willing to have him?” None loves like Christ.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:15-17
August 7, 2023
Godliness is useful for all things: it fences off troubles; it supplies all wants; it makes soul and body completely happy." pg. 221
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
May 9, 2025
Outside of Holy Scripture, this is the most convicting, challenging, encouraging, and exhortative work I have ever read as a believer.
In true Puritan fashion, Watson's every sentence is a pithy wielding of the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). He takes a meticulous and systematic approach to lay out the criteria for what the godly must be, based upon God's Word; he establishes what the godly are to be like, why the believer must strive to be godly, and how the believer is to practically pursue these Scripture-prescribed charactersitics of godliness. The entire book could be summarized as an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "...Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
This book pulled back the curtain of my heart and shed light on many areas of spiritual apathy and complacency in my life; it not only convicted me of my shortcomings, but also drove me back to Christ in order to find the strength and motivation to pursue godliness in these areas. The most common annotation I wrote in the margins was "O, Lord - help me to do this!" I am certain you will share that same sentiment when you read this book.
The Godly Man's Picture will undoubtedly spark a fire within you and make you desire to be more godly, for, as Watson puts it, "godliness puts a man in heaven before his time." I would absolutely recommend this book for all believers - I am certain that, by God's grace, this book read through, prayed over, and meditated upon will sanctify you and mold you more into the image of Christ.
In true Puritan fashion, Watson's every sentence is a pithy wielding of the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). He takes a meticulous and systematic approach to lay out the criteria for what the godly must be, based upon God's Word; he establishes what the godly are to be like, why the believer must strive to be godly, and how the believer is to practically pursue these Scripture-prescribed charactersitics of godliness. The entire book could be summarized as an exposition of 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "...Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
This book pulled back the curtain of my heart and shed light on many areas of spiritual apathy and complacency in my life; it not only convicted me of my shortcomings, but also drove me back to Christ in order to find the strength and motivation to pursue godliness in these areas. The most common annotation I wrote in the margins was "O, Lord - help me to do this!" I am certain you will share that same sentiment when you read this book.
The Godly Man's Picture will undoubtedly spark a fire within you and make you desire to be more godly, for, as Watson puts it, "godliness puts a man in heaven before his time." I would absolutely recommend this book for all believers - I am certain that, by God's grace, this book read through, prayed over, and meditated upon will sanctify you and mold you more into the image of Christ.
January 27, 2022
Excellent ! And it end with a Sibbes’ like chapter on the Bruised Reed and a Goodwin’s like chapter on the Heart of Christ for poor sinners.
June 27, 2024
Oh my…. This book. First off, I adore Puritan writing, endless run-on sentences and all. There has been no other book that has challenged me, grown me, and stirred my love for Christ like this book. I need to read more Puritan books. Cannot recommend this book enough.
September 2, 2025
#20 of 60+ in the Puritan Paperbacks series by Banner of Truth.
Every time I read a Thomas Watson book my mind and soul are edified. His writing is so clear and easy to follow, yet so theologically deep. Many of the puritans share the latter, few possess the former. In this particular book, The Godly Man’s Picture, Watson sets out to “describe such a person” who is godly. (1) In fact, the alternate title of this work was Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who Is Going to Heaven. If you were to pick it up and read the blurb on the back cover, you may think this is just another book of spiritual disciplines for you to aim at but you would be wrong. There are many good books on the spiritual disciplines. All of them are forward looking. A sort of, now that you are a believer, here’s what you should strive to do in order to become more spiritual. Watson’s book looks backward. Instead of telling you things you should be doing as a Christian, he is showing you what a true believer looks like. A true believer already possesses the 24 leading characteristics he outlines.
All of the characteristics he discusses could be encapsulated in just a few lines from the book. Watson says that “he who rightly applies Christ puts these two together, Jesus and Lord: ‘Christ Jesus my Lord’ (Phil 3:8). Many take Christ as Jesus, but refuse him as Lord.” (20) Apparently, there was no lordship controversy back in 1666. Who knew that all the vitriol aimed at MacArthur back the 1980s was misdirected and should have been aimed at Thomas Watson! I digress but the point is that true believers have already made Christ their Lord. It isn’t something to strive toward or to consider on your journey. It’s prerequisite. Next, Watson discusses the importance of Scripture many times in this book but one comment brings it all together: “A godly man dare not vary from the pattern which God has shown him in the Scripture.” (34) A true believer understands the Scriptures are the standard. When we deviate, it is from God’s word that we are deviating. We measure our life against the Word. Finally, Watson touches on something that few in the church talk about, trying to please man instead of God. He says a godly man is “a servant of God, not a servant of men.” (36) This doesn’t mean we go around trying to offend people but it does mean that our worth and identity and focus should not be wrapped up in what fellow humans think of us. Our focus should be on God and what He thinks of us.
I’m not against the books on spiritual disciplines. I have some of them. I’ve read some multiple times. However, this book is different in a good way. Before embarking on our journey as a believer, we should make sure we are one first. Watson has provided a picture “drawn with a Scripture pencil” for us to use as a mirror of sorts. This is one of my favorites of the puritan paperback so far. I’ll be sure to reread it in the future. So should you.
Every time I read a Thomas Watson book my mind and soul are edified. His writing is so clear and easy to follow, yet so theologically deep. Many of the puritans share the latter, few possess the former. In this particular book, The Godly Man’s Picture, Watson sets out to “describe such a person” who is godly. (1) In fact, the alternate title of this work was Some Characteristic Marks of a Man Who Is Going to Heaven. If you were to pick it up and read the blurb on the back cover, you may think this is just another book of spiritual disciplines for you to aim at but you would be wrong. There are many good books on the spiritual disciplines. All of them are forward looking. A sort of, now that you are a believer, here’s what you should strive to do in order to become more spiritual. Watson’s book looks backward. Instead of telling you things you should be doing as a Christian, he is showing you what a true believer looks like. A true believer already possesses the 24 leading characteristics he outlines.
All of the characteristics he discusses could be encapsulated in just a few lines from the book. Watson says that “he who rightly applies Christ puts these two together, Jesus and Lord: ‘Christ Jesus my Lord’ (Phil 3:8). Many take Christ as Jesus, but refuse him as Lord.” (20) Apparently, there was no lordship controversy back in 1666. Who knew that all the vitriol aimed at MacArthur back the 1980s was misdirected and should have been aimed at Thomas Watson! I digress but the point is that true believers have already made Christ their Lord. It isn’t something to strive toward or to consider on your journey. It’s prerequisite. Next, Watson discusses the importance of Scripture many times in this book but one comment brings it all together: “A godly man dare not vary from the pattern which God has shown him in the Scripture.” (34) A true believer understands the Scriptures are the standard. When we deviate, it is from God’s word that we are deviating. We measure our life against the Word. Finally, Watson touches on something that few in the church talk about, trying to please man instead of God. He says a godly man is “a servant of God, not a servant of men.” (36) This doesn’t mean we go around trying to offend people but it does mean that our worth and identity and focus should not be wrapped up in what fellow humans think of us. Our focus should be on God and what He thinks of us.
I’m not against the books on spiritual disciplines. I have some of them. I’ve read some multiple times. However, this book is different in a good way. Before embarking on our journey as a believer, we should make sure we are one first. Watson has provided a picture “drawn with a Scripture pencil” for us to use as a mirror of sorts. This is one of my favorites of the puritan paperback so far. I’ll be sure to reread it in the future. So should you.
January 3, 2026
This book is now one of my favorites regarding godliness. Watson illustrates qualities of the godly that are rooted in faith, based in scripture, and relevant for today. While the picture of godliness drawn is idealistic, as it draws from Christ’s perfect character, Watson consistently provides a Biblical view of assurance to encourage readers to pursue the goal by faith. The characteristics of godly men are often paired with encouragements to test one’s self that challenged and convicted me. My favorite chapter was “Section 13: A godly man is a sincere man.”
I’ve included some quotes that I appreciated:
- (from The Godly man prizes Christ) “Do those prize Christ who can sit down content without him?”
- (on the Godly weeping for their sin) “Hypocrites never send forth the streams of their tears except when God’s judgments are approaching.”
- (on godly men being patient) “Afflictions are for our profit, for our benefit: ‘he for our profit’ (Heb. 12:10). We pray that God would take such a course with us as may do our souls good. When God is afflicting us, he is hearing our prayers; he does it ‘for our profit.’ Not that afflictions in themselves profit us, but as God’s Spirit works with them.”
- (on godliness as a husband) “The husband should show his love to his wife by covering infirmities; by avoiding occasions of strife; by sweet, endearing expressions; by pious council; I love tokens; by encouraging what he sees amiable and virtuous in her; by mutual prayer; by associating with her, unless detained by urgency of business.”
- (for fathers) “Many parents are careful to lay up portions for their children, but they do not lay prayers for them.”
“Know that persecuted godliness is better than prosperous wickedness.”
“God, for a great deal of smoke, will not quench a little light. It is the manner of the world, if they see a little failure in another, to pass by and quench a great deal of worth because of that failure. This is our nature to aggravate a little fault and diminish a great deal of virtue; to see the infirmities and darken the excellencies of others… God does not act like that. for a great deal of smoke, he will not quench a little light. He sees sincerity and overlooks many infirmities. The least sparks of grace he cherishes, and blows them gently with the breath of his Spirit till they break forth into flame…
A little grace is grace, though it is smothered under much corruption.”
I’ve included some quotes that I appreciated:
- (from The Godly man prizes Christ) “Do those prize Christ who can sit down content without him?”
- (on the Godly weeping for their sin) “Hypocrites never send forth the streams of their tears except when God’s judgments are approaching.”
- (on godly men being patient) “Afflictions are for our profit, for our benefit: ‘he for our profit’ (Heb. 12:10). We pray that God would take such a course with us as may do our souls good. When God is afflicting us, he is hearing our prayers; he does it ‘for our profit.’ Not that afflictions in themselves profit us, but as God’s Spirit works with them.”
- (on godliness as a husband) “The husband should show his love to his wife by covering infirmities; by avoiding occasions of strife; by sweet, endearing expressions; by pious council; I love tokens; by encouraging what he sees amiable and virtuous in her; by mutual prayer; by associating with her, unless detained by urgency of business.”
- (for fathers) “Many parents are careful to lay up portions for their children, but they do not lay prayers for them.”
“Know that persecuted godliness is better than prosperous wickedness.”
“God, for a great deal of smoke, will not quench a little light. It is the manner of the world, if they see a little failure in another, to pass by and quench a great deal of worth because of that failure. This is our nature to aggravate a little fault and diminish a great deal of virtue; to see the infirmities and darken the excellencies of others… God does not act like that. for a great deal of smoke, he will not quench a little light. He sees sincerity and overlooks many infirmities. The least sparks of grace he cherishes, and blows them gently with the breath of his Spirit till they break forth into flame…
A little grace is grace, though it is smothered under much corruption.”
October 25, 2022
Watson paints a biblical picture of what a godly man should strive to be. Encouragement to keep on getting better, and realize the importance of grace in our lives
November 4, 2024
Definitely a book that I will read again in the future, there is so much knowledge and wisdom in this book that it is impossible to take it all in in one read thru.
May 12, 2025
A Wonderful, Convicting, Scripture-dense book.
Much like The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson throws an upper-cut at you, followed with a left jab, then a right jab, and then he Rugby-tackles you into the ground, followed by a cinder-block being thrown on you. But then he gently picks you up by the arm, and greatly encourages you.
Watson does a stellar job at outlining the characteristics of a godly man. Every argument is backed up by Scripture. Watson clearly distinguishes between regenerate and unregenerate sinners (or as he likes to call them; 'hypocritical swine'). This book is extremely convicting, yet wonderfully encouraging for any Christian.
Watson greatly emphasizes the importance of growing in godliness and having a zeal to do so, as a result of our union with Christ.
I would recommend this book to any young men. This book shows what a Biblical man is, how to be a Biblical man, and why you should strive to be a Biblical man.
Much like The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson throws an upper-cut at you, followed with a left jab, then a right jab, and then he Rugby-tackles you into the ground, followed by a cinder-block being thrown on you. But then he gently picks you up by the arm, and greatly encourages you.
Watson does a stellar job at outlining the characteristics of a godly man. Every argument is backed up by Scripture. Watson clearly distinguishes between regenerate and unregenerate sinners (or as he likes to call them; 'hypocritical swine'). This book is extremely convicting, yet wonderfully encouraging for any Christian.
Watson greatly emphasizes the importance of growing in godliness and having a zeal to do so, as a result of our union with Christ.
I would recommend this book to any young men. This book shows what a Biblical man is, how to be a Biblical man, and why you should strive to be a Biblical man.
November 15, 2025
3.5. This is very good, but it isn’t my favorite of Watson. I thought ‘All Things for Good’ was richer and more nourishing to a believer’s soul, though this book does have tons of wonderful truth. The last few chapters were worth the whole book! I think I was continually unsure about how Watson was using “godliness.” At times, he talks about “the godly” as believers (as opposed to “the ungodly” who have not been saved), while he also discusses “godliness” to describe our growth in sanctification. Both are accurate, but need clarification to avoid conflating the two and accidentally communicating that growing in godliness saves us. Growing in godliness rather is the consequence of our being made godly (justified) in Christ! But all told, a helpful, challenging, and encouraging book!
January 6, 2026
There are so many excellent tidbits of advice in this book that it’s worth every penny and every second. Every page is filled with beautifully worded truths and practical advice. This book is worth reading multiple times because there are so many gems of wisdom in it that you can glean something new or remember something afresh every time. Highly recommended for every man who desires to be godly!!
November 21, 2023
A helpful book to compare ourselves to the standard of holiness set by Christ. Contains 24 sections on the characteristics of the godly man, along with a few other chapters of encouragement. Watson reminds the reader that the beginnings of holiness are holy, that Christ finishes what He starts, and that we have a mystic union with Christ as the bridegroom of His body the church.
September 20, 2022
Excellent! Great book to read a few pages from every day.
May 22, 2023
Strange title. Strong teaching. Sweet encouragement. Worth reading again and again.
July 1, 2023
BEST book on what it means to be a godly man - and some great characteristics for you to wrestle with and work on! Not an easy read - but we’ll worth it!
July 15, 2023
Rich and edifying through and through. Every Christian man should read this with a pen in hand.
August 20, 2023
Chapter by chapter, Watson affects the mind and heart on the virtues of godliness.
October 8, 2023
“This is a believer’s triumph. When he is guilty in himself, he is worthy in Christ.”
January 23, 2023
This is easily readable for today's audience, compared to some other Puritans, and it has short chapters or sections, making it useful for a daily devotional. very good stuff - the author might have wrapped it up more quickly after the twenty four traits.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews