First, let me say that this is not turning into a religious blog. But in this case, I have to clear this misconception up.
So, we have this football guy – Harrison Butker, speaking at a commencement about everything he feels is wrong with our society. But nothing enraged people more than his take on women. He says that they need to focus on being a wife and a mother. That people need to stay in their lane.
Lets set the record straight here. Christians have gotten this whole view of women all wrong for hundreds of years now. Maybe they need to read the whole bible, not just one little passage.
I don’t think many people actually read the bible, and that’s a problem. People hear something and think, “oh, that’s right.” But many times, its not. Even the bible tells you to check to see if what you have heard is accurate.
So, let’s see what the bible really says about a woman’s place –
Proverbs 31:10-31
[a]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Whew! Does this sound like a woman that doesn’t work? She makes and sells clothing. She buys real estate with her own money. Thank heaven she has servants! It says nothing about her cleaning house and doing laundry. At least now we can just buy the bedding and clothing.
“But I heard the Bible says that women should be encouraged to take care of their home?”
Oh, but what about Timothy where it says the woman should be encouraged to take care of their home and family? Here’s what it really says
“13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (my note- Drinking and whoring about.)
Timothy was talking about young widows who were spending their time hanging out with the girls gossiping while shirking their responsibilities at home. Know anyone like that? I do. He was saying that these women need to be encouraged to Manage their home and family. Not that they do everything in the home, or that this is all they should do.
When I was a working single mom, I didn’t come home and spend my time on Facebook and Netflix I took care of my home and spent time with my daughter.
So, you can stop feeling guilty about working. There is nothing that I know of that says a woman should stay home.
If you’re having trouble managing your home as a working woman, that’s where I come in. At CommonSenseLiving.com, my whole mission is to help working women manage their home life without killing yourself. Take advantage of it.
Would you like me to do more “What the Bible Really Says” posts? Let me know.
Carole
Carole