Myth, 68

 ~ The Bible Teaches Women Should Stay Home ~

Background  ~  The background of any successful society is strong family units.  Certainly, when children are small it is ideal, whenever possible, that one parent is the primary person charged with nurturing the child/children.  “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: …  admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:1-5).  Typically, a woman of God will find her greatest satisfaction when she centers her life on her family and home.  However, the Bible does not portray women as always in the home. 

Scripture  ~  “Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.  She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.  She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.  She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.  She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.  She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.  She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.  She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.  She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.  She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.  She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.  …  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.  Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.  She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:10-31).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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7 Traits of a Godly Mother

~ The Proverbs 31 Mother ~

A Godly woman is a precious thing in God’s eyes! Consider some aspects of such a woman described in the epilogue of the Book of Proverbs. This passage begins by noting how difficult it is to find such a woman. “Who can find?” (verse 10).

She Portrays Excellence in All Her Activities ~ She is an ideal person of wisdom and insight in all her activities. She is the person personified in much of Proverbs as wisdom and is here identified as “a virtuous woman” (verse 10).

She Works Hard on Behalf of Others ~ She not only works hard but has acquired significant skills along the way. She enjoys her work and finds fulfillment in her life. “She rises early” (verse 15).

She is a Frugal Shopper ~ What a remarkable description considering the treatment of women in the day in which Solomon wrote this! “She considers a field” (verse 16).

She Produces Quality Output ~ Perhaps she is an entrepreneur with a cottage industry. Maybe she home schools her children. Whatever her activities, she seems to be able to function effectively and independently. “Her output is good” (verse 18).

She is Caring and Compassionate ~ She not only cares for her family but finds time to care for and serve others who are less fortunate. She “gives to the poor” (verse 20).

She Contributes to the Family Financial Position ~ This is already seen in previous traits (such as her frugal shopping) but here the implication is greater than the example given of sewing. “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants” (verse 24).

She has True Insight ~ Interesting in light of all the content in the Book of Proverbs about the use and misuse of speech that this woman knows how to choose her words carefully and fitly for the occasion. “Opens her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26). 

And what is the end result? Her husband trusts her (verse 11). She has earned and receives praise and respect from not only her husband but also her children. She is truly blessed and fulfilled in her life. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (verse 28). 

This epilogue of Proverbs describes the ideal woman. What a challenge for all who would seek to be truly a woman of God!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW