Proverbs 31
:16, 18, & 24, 27 – She considers a field and buys it; from her own income she plants a vineyard…She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night…She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies merchants with sashes…She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Where did anyone get the idea that women should not work outside the home? Today, we honor working moms, who are doing what they need to do to provide for their families. Working outside the home does not mean we have an excuse for poor parenting or wrong priorities. Working in a career or business outside the home does not nullify the commands of Scripture. Our most important assignment and priority from God is our families. We are to respect our husbands and to submit to their authority, even as the church is to submit to Christ’s authority. (Ephesians 5:22-23) We are to “train up our children in the way they should go…” (Proverbs 22:6) We are to love our husbands, love our children, and take care of our homes. The older women are to be examples, teachers of good things, teaching the younger women to love their husbands and children. (Titus 2:3-4). But let us be wise women, not condemning others or failing to recognize that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (I Timothy 3:16) – That includes the Biblical roles and responsibilities of women throughout history.
We have examples of wise, educated, industrious women all over Scripture. Women who are leaders like Deborah, a Jewish judge, prophetess, and military leader (Judges 4) and Queen Esther who uncovered the deadly plot of Haman and saved the lives of her people (The Book of Esther). Women like Lydia, a wealthy business owner, who was also a disciple and helped to plant the church at Philippi, opening her own home as a meeting place. (Acts 16) There is Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, who requested to hold land in her own name, like her brothers (Joshua 15:13-19), and it was given to her by her father. Ruth gleaned from the fields of Boaz to provide food for herself and her beloved mother-in-law. (Ruth 1-4) Philip’s daughters were prophetesses. (Acts 21:9) And Priscilla worked alongside her husband and the apostle Paul as a tentmaker, while serving with both of them in ministry.
Paul instructs the church in Romans 16:1-2 regarding Phoebe, “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Huldah’s advice was respected and followed by King Josiah and his representatives. She “was clearly the king’s first choice when seeking to know God’s will.” (Richards, Sue Poorman and Richards, Lawrence O., Women of the Bible, 2003, p. 90-91)
Dear working moms who love the Lord Jesus and love your family, do not let anyone condemn you. YOU are to be honored as great women of faith, just as the women of Scripture named above. You are not lazy nor do you “eat the bread of idleness”, but instead you look out for “the needs of your household”. I know that at times you feel you are too exhausted to go on, because your “lamp does not go out at night.” (Proverbs 31) You continue to love and serve your family every day, and honor your Lord through your service to Him and your diligence and hard work. May the Lord richly bless you and give you strength, grace, and peace today.