Should a Biblical Woman Work Outside the Home?

Prov. 31:10–31 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the esv footnote to v. 10explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic, in which each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman's “excellence” (vv. 10, 29–31). The probable intention of putting this together with the acrostic pattern is to show that this woman's character runs the whole range of excellence. The woman is married (as expected in that culture), and she is devoted to the well-being of her household (vv. 11–13, 15, 17, 19, 21–22, 25, 27), to which she contributes by her participation in outside economic concerns (vv. 14, 16, 18, 24). At the same time she makes her home the center of ministry by giving generously to the poor (v. 20) and by instructing her children and household workers in true kindness (v. 26; neighbors may be included in this audience). So her husband and children enjoy their lot and honor her for her industry (vv. 11–12, 23, 28–29). This lofty portrait of excellence sets such a high standard that it can be depressing to godly women today until its purpose is understood. First, the woman embodies in all areas of life the full character of wisdom commended throughout this book. This shows that even though the concrete situations up to now have generally envisioned a cast of males, the teaching of the entire book is intended for all of God's people (see the discussion of “concreteness” in Introduction: Literary Features). Second, as with other character types, this profile is an ideal: a particular example of full-scale virtue and wisdom toward which the faithful are willing to be molded. It is not expected that any one woman will look exactly like this in every respect.

Prov. 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? reminds the reader that a good wife is from the Lord (see 12:4; 18:22; 19:14). vs. 11 Tells us, the heart to her husband trusts her. This means she has been through a lot with him, as she has made great decisions in the past.

Prov. 31:12 does him good. The diligence of the good wife (vv. 13–19) is not for herself alone but also for her husband and household.

Prov. 31:13 seeks wool and flax. She is skilled in working with textiles to provide for the clothing needs of her household. She works hard at home.

Prov. 31:14 Trading ships is a poetic analogy; she does not literally sail the seas. She goes out of her way to secure fine food for her family. Another reference to her work at home.

Prov. 31:15 By providing for her household and her maidens before the day begins, the “excellent wife” (v. 10) multiplies the effectiveness of her work, because her planning enables everyone else in her household to be productive throughout the day. She does not lie in bed and wait for servants to attend to her. She is a good manager, she plans and executes the needs of her household.

Prov. 31:16 She is not confined to the home but is engaged in business. This verse demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman in the ancient world: she herself considers a field (indicating wise judgment) and buys it(indicating control of a substantial amount of money). This may be where the question came from, but my teaching in no way confines women to the home. They can conduct the business of the home as it is all a part of the management of it. Remember that she has gained the trust of her husbands heart because of her wise dealings, and is therefore entrusted with a large sum of the families money. This in no way refers to a career, as there would be no one to raise her children, and she would be in violation of Deuteronomy 6.

Prov. 31:18 Profitable indicates that she is able to realize economic gain from the diligence of her labor, which she uses to purchase a field (v. 16) and provide for her household (v. 15). Her lamp does not go out at night. See v. 15, “She rises while it is yet night”; if the verses are taken to a literal extreme, they would imply that she never sleeps at all! But surely that is not true, nor is it intended (see Ps. 127:2). Rather, this is an idealized picture of a woman who is diligent to complete her work both in the morning and in the evening. Again, here she has responsibilities to the home.

Prov. 31:19 A distaff is a staff with a fork at the end that holds flax or wool that has yet to be spun, from which thread is drawn when a person is spinning thread or yarn on a spinning wheel. A spindle is a rod with tapered ends on which thread is wound once it has been spun by hand. The point of this and several other verses is the remarkable range of manual, commercial, administrative, and interpersonal skills at which this woman demonstrates excellence. She makes clothes for her family,and is so skillful, she can sell her work to make a profit for her family.

Prov. 31:20 Active concern for the poor is a cardinal virtue of all wisdom literature.

Prov. 31:21 Her careful preparation of necessary clothing in advance means that she is not afraid of sudden changes in weather, for they will not catch her unprepared.

Prov. 31:22 Fine linen and purple indicates clothing of beauty and considerable expense, appropriate visual indications of the excellence of her work and character.

Prov. 31:23 Gates were the center of civic and economic life in an Israelite city, where the leading men gathered. The wife's excellent work and noble character have contributed significantly to her husband's success and reputation when he sits among the elders of the land.

Prov. 31:24 Making linen garments and sashes, which she sells to the merchant, indicates skill in creating clothing of beauty and value. Such activity exemplifies a high degree of entrepreneurial skill and responsibility in making financial decisions and undertaking commercial activity (cf. note on v. 16). Notice that none of her business dealings require her to be away from her children. She can bring them to the market, teach them and experience life with them.

Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are so much a part of her character and conduct that they seem to be almost like her clothing. She laughs at the future, in contrast with being worried or fearful about it.

Prov. 31:26 Although Proverbs has often used men as concrete examples of wisdom, the proverbs apply equally well to women, and the wisdom that God teaches in Proverbs can be well understood by both men and women (cf. note on1:8).

Prov. 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household focuses on this woman's diligence in caring for her home and her children and servants. Her rejection ofidleness embodies one of the chief virtues of Proverbs. Again, a clear reference to her priority to the home.

Prov. 31:28–29 In a loving family, the members recognize the value of each other. Here the children and husband offer their praise. Verse 29 gives the words of the husband, or perhaps of both husband and children. Excellently recalls “excellent” in v. 10.

Prov. 31:30 The mention of a woman who fears the Lord at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs stated in1:7 ). It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord, and therefore that she is a model of the character traits and wisdom taught throughout the book's 31 chapters. The appearance of this woman's fear of the Lord at the end of this list is also a reminder that this quality is more important than even great skill and talent, and is foundational to the wise and right use of all activities and skills. A godly woman may well have outward charm andbeauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.

Prov. 31:31 Although it is the husband, and not the excellent wife, who sits among the elders (v. 23), the wife's works are known and appreciated in the gates, and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her handsmeans that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.

Labels: Christian Living, Holiness, parenting, Womanhood