Women’s roles have evolved throughout history, and the Bible offers perspectives on the role of women both in the home and in society. While many scriptures reflect the cultural norms of the time, the Bible also highlights women who worked outside their homes in various capacities. Explore what scripture says about women in the workplace and how to balance faith with career.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Work-Life Balance
What Does The Bible Say About A Woman Working Outside The Home
Proverbs 31:16
“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
This verse highlights the wisdom and industriousness of a woman who not only manages her household but also engages in entrepreneurial activities. It shows that women can be successful in their careers and contribute to their families’ well-being.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home and to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This passage encourages older women to mentor and guide younger women in various aspects of their lives, including their roles and responsibilities at home. While it emphasizes the importance of being invested in the household, it does not dismiss or discourage women from engaging in work outside the home if it aligns with their circumstances and priorities.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the value of hard work and its positive outcomes. It applies to both men and women, indicating that engaging in work outside the home can be beneficial and rewarding for women, enabling them to provide for their families and contribute to society.
Acts 16:14-15
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.”
In this passage, Lydia is described as a businesswoman engaged in the trade of purple cloth. Her work not only sustains her household but also enables her to be hospitable and supportive of Paul’s ministry. This showcases that women working outside the home can have a positive impact on their families and inspire others in their faith.
Ruth 2:2-3
“And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.’ Naomi said to her, ‘Go ahead, my daughter.’ So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters.”
This verse portrays Ruth, a woman who actively sought opportunities to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi, through gleaning in the fields. It illustrates the resourcefulness and initiative of women in working outside the home to meet their family’s needs.
Proverbs 31:24
“She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”
The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is depicted as a skilled artisan who not only crafts linen garments but also engages in commerce by selling her products to merchants. This demonstrates that women can excel in entrepreneurship and contribute to the market economy while maintaining their responsibilities at home.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
“No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
This passage highlights the commendable actions of widowed women, including bringing up children, showing hospitality, and helping those in need. While it does not explicitly mention work outside the home, it emphasizes the importance of actively serving others and engaging in meaningful endeavors, which can extend beyond the domestic sphere.
Acts 9:36
“In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.”
Tabitha, a woman mentioned in the book of Acts, is known for her acts of kindness and service to the needy. Although her specific occupation is not mentioned, her commitment to charitable works showcases that women can make a difference in society through their contributions outside the home.
Proverbs 31:27
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
This verse speaks of the diligence and attentiveness of a virtuous woman in managing her household. It emphasizes the importance of actively fulfilling one’s responsibilities while acknowledging that women are capable of engaging in other pursuits without being idle.
Luke 10:38-42
“As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
Although this passage does not address women working outside the home directly, it highlights the significance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment and personal growth over excessive busyness. It emphasizes that women, like Mary, should have the opportunity to pursue their interests, even if it means temporarily setting aside household tasks.
Acts 18:2-3
“There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
This verse introduces Priscilla, a woman who, along with her husband Aquila, was engaged in the trade of tentmaking. It showcases that women, like men, can participate in various professions and occupations outside the home while contributing to the well-being of their families and supporting their ministries.
1 Samuel 25:18-19
“Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. Then she told her servants, ‘Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.’”
This passage highlights Abigail’s resourcefulness and initiative in providing for the needs of David and his men. Even in a challenging situation, she took action and organized provisions, demonstrating that women can play an essential role in fulfilling practical responsibilities outside the home.
Exodus 35:25-26
“All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen. All the women who were willing and had skill spun the goat hair.”
In the context of constructing the tabernacle, this verse speaks of the women who used their skills and talents in sewing, spinning, and creating various materials for the sacred space. It highlights the value of women’s craftsmanship and the contribution they made to larger projects beyond their immediate households.
Acts 21:8-9
“Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.”
Here, the presence of Philip’s four unmarried daughters who were involved in prophetic ministry suggests that women can actively participate in spiritual leadership and ministry roles. This demonstrates that women’s spiritual gifts and callings can extend beyond the confines of the home and into public spheres.
1 Timothy 3:11
“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.”
While this verse specifically pertains to qualifications for deacons’ wives, it underscores the importance of women conducting themselves with integrity and being respected within their communities. It implies that women can have a positive influence and reputation even outside the home.
Luke 8:1-3
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
In this passage, several women are listed as followers of Jesus, actively supporting His ministry with their resources. It demonstrates that women were involved in providing financial support for Jesus and His disciples, highlighting the importance of their participation in sustaining and furthering the work of the Kingdom.
Acts 16:14
“One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”
Lydia, a successful businesswoman engaged in the trade of purple cloth, is mentioned in this verse. She not only supported herself through her work but also responded to Paul’s message of the Gospel. It shows that women working outside the home can encounter and embrace their faith while taking an active role in their occupations.
Proverbs 31:10-31
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies… She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks… She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
The entire passage of Proverbs 31 paints a vivid picture of a woman who excels in various aspects of her life, including her domestic and professional endeavors. She actively engages in work outside the home, managing business ventures, and providing for her household. This passage celebrates the multifaceted capabilities and contributions of women, affirming their potential to thrive in both domestic and professional spheres.
Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
Phoebe, mentioned in this passage, is described as a deacon and benefactor who assisted many people, including the apostle Paul. Her role as a deacon emphasizes her involvement in serving the church community, while being a benefactor suggests she may have been engaged in philanthropic or entrepreneurial efforts. This exemplifies the active role women can have in supporting others and making a difference in their communities through their work outside the home.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come, no collections will have to be made.”
Though not specifically addressing women, this passage encourages all believers, including women, to regularly contribute to the support of their fellow believers. This implies that women, like men, can actively engage in financial planning and stewardship, which may involve earning income and managing resources outside the home.
Esther 2:7-8
“Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.”
This passage introduces Esther, who, after being orphaned, was brought up by her cousin Mordecai. She became queen through a selection process orchestrated by the king. Esther’s story demonstrates that women can occupy significant positions of influence and authority outside the home, even within governmental structures.
Acts 9:36-39
“In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, ‘Please come at once!’ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”
In this passage, Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is portrayed as a disciple who dedicated herself to acts of kindness, including making clothing for the widows in her community. Her industriousness and generosity demonstrate that women working outside the home can have a significant impact by using their skills and resources to bless others.
Matthew 28:5-6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’
Here, women are depicted as the first witnesses of the resurrected Christ. Their encounter with the angel and subsequent encounter with Jesus Himself underscore the vital role women played in the foundational events of the Christian faith. This highlights that women were not solely confined to domestic roles but actively participated in crucial moments of Jesus’ ministry and the early church.