Book: Strong Men in Tough Times

Overview
Edwin Louis Cole’s 1993 book Strong Men in Tough Times is a brisk, exhortational guide to masculine character forged under pressure. As founder of the Christian Men’s Network and author of Maximized Manhood, Cole writes to men facing cultural upheaval, family strain, and economic uncertainty, arguing that adversity does not define a man so much as reveal him. The book blends biblical exposition, punchy proverbs, and pastoral counsel to call men toward maturity, responsibility, and moral courage in every sphere of life, home, work, church, and community.

Core Thesis
Cole’s central claim is that tough times require strong men, and strength comes from alignment with God’s principles. Circumstances may be harsh, but character is a choice. He returns to themes he made famous, “Maturity begins with the acceptance of responsibility” and “You measure a man by what it takes to discourage him”, to argue that a man’s inner life determines his outer impact. Crisis becomes a classroom where convictions are clarified, habits are formed, and leadership is proven.

Biblical Framework
The book’s backbone is Scripture and the lives of biblical men under duress. Joseph models faithfulness when forgotten; Daniel shows integrity in a hostile culture; David demonstrates both the consequences of failure and the power of repentance; Job embodies endurance. Cole presents Jesus as the pattern of true manhood, strong in obedience, tender in compassion, decisive in mission. Proverbs supplies the practical ethic: wisdom, diligence, honesty, restraint, courage. The message is not self-help but alignment with God’s ways.

Character and Conduct
Cole links inward convictions to outward disciplines. Thought life shapes conduct; purity of heart guards purity in relationships; words set the course of a day. He calls men to sexual integrity, fidelity in marriage as covenant, and engaged fatherhood that blesses children with presence and principle. In the marketplace, excellence, punctuality, and fairness are acts of worship. Money is stewardship, not status; generosity and tithing train the heart to trust God more than the economy.

Facing Pressure
Tough times expose fear, anger, and discouragement. Cole teaches that courage is not the absence of fear but mastery of it through faith and action. He urges men to confront problems directly, own failures promptly, forgive quickly, and refuse the paralysis of shame. Failure is framed as feedback for growth when answered with repentance and renewed discipline. He warns against escapism, whether through entertainment, addiction, or blame, and commends habits of prayer, Scripture, and accountability that build resilience.

Leadership and Brotherhood
Manhood, for Cole, is inherently relational. A man is priest and servant-leader in his home, cultivating a climate where truth and love flourish. He needs brothers who speak truth, challenge complacency, and share the burdens of life. Mentorship multiplies strength: older men pass on wisdom; younger men receive and then shoulder responsibility. Influence grows not through force or charm but through consistent integrity over time.

Style and Application
Cole writes in short, memorable maxims and direct, pastoral prose. Each principle is paired with practical application, daily disciplines, habit formation, and decision-making under pressure. He avoids abstraction, aiming for Monday-morning usefulness: show up, tell the truth, keep your word, honor your spouse, discipline your appetites, serve your church, and do excellent work, even when no one is watching.

Impact and Audience
Strong Men in Tough Times helped anchor the 1990s men’s movement within a distinctly Christian vision of character and responsibility. Its counsel targets men at crossroads, fathers, husbands, workers, and leaders, yet its appeal extends to anyone who believes that moral clarity and disciplined faith can turn adversity into advantage. The times may be tough, Cole insists, but toughness rooted in godly character can outlast them.