Career
Bernard"s father, the reigning Count Simon V of Lippe, died in 1536, when Bernard was eight years old. Since he was too young take over at this age, the country was ruled by a regency council consisting of Landgrave Philip I of Hesse, Count Adolph of Schaumburg and Count Jobst II of Hoya. Bernhard was raised in the Lutheran faith.
In 1546 he joined the government of the county of Lippe and during his reign, he tried especially to strengthen the Lutheran faith in his county.
As a result, Lippe became an imperial fief. Also in 1556, he declared war on Count John II of Rietberg.
Bernard besieged John"s court in 1557. This triggered an inheritance dispute with the County of Schaumburg.