Is it biblical for a mother to stay at home with her children if she has the option?

Question

I know that it speaks about it in Timothy I believe.

Answer 1

God has given us agency, we make the decision whether or not we use it wisely.

Answer 2

Certainly not. The Bible was composed in a time when the roles of men and women were narrowly defined. Men managed the marketplace and women managed the home. But there is nothing in the Bible prohibiting women from working outside the home.

You have an interesting way of phrasing the question. "If she has that option?" That shows that the cuture has changed since the Bible's time. You're implying a woman might be LESS "biblical" if she DIDN'T have the option to stay at home. Children need a care provider they can trust. As to how that is accomplished, the Bible makes no specific recommendations.

Answer 3

The Bible doesn't say one way or another - the ideal wife in Proverbs 31 seems to work a lot. on the other hand the Bible puts a high priority on family and on how children are raised. I think a mother who chooses to dedicate herself to raising her children instead of working outside the home is making a good choice. Just not the only one.
I find that home-mothers are not receiving the appreciation they should - as if they were 2nd rate. Where I live, families receive a certain amount of money from the government to put children in nurseries - but do not receive the equivalent to keep their children at home if that is their wish. I really believe the most qualified person to take care of children is usually their own parent. (Of course some parents are incompetent in that area, but some nursery workers are also).
A mother who tries to do both is taking on a very difficult job ' sometimes she feels she has no choice. Also, some mothers are psychologically made up in a way that staying home would drive them crazy - in that case it might be worth-while working outside and hiring some help - but they should still (fathers too of course) make sure they are spending time with their children - both quantity and quality time.

Answer 4

It is probably more biblical for a mother to stay at home with her children than it is for a mother to go out and have a job leaving the kids with a day care.

Not trying to pigeon hole women into specific roles, but from a biblical stand point I think you will find that the bible is more supportive of a woman who stays home to be with and raise her children.

Answer 5

In biblical times there were no jobs for women and women had to be cared for by men.

If your husband died his brother became your new husband. Even if he was extremely old and even if you did not want to marry him.

the principles that applied in biblical times would be hard to apply today because women are a major force in the work place and taking all the women out would and could cause the economy to fail

That was off subject but I am unaware of a scripture that advise women to stay at home and survive on a thier husbands pay

Answer 6

The question should be : "is it biblical for a mother to work rather than stay at home with her children, if she has the option".

As framed, there is no question, as the biblical attitude is that women should stay at home and tend home and kids, unless needed by their husband to help in the fields.

Answer 7

If that mother is following God, He will lead her in the direction regarding that and anything else. I don't think there's a biblical scripture telling a woman to or not to stay at home. I haven't seen one.

Answer 8

Hello! I think the passage in Timothy to which are referring is 1 Tim 5:14:

"So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander."

The whole passage should be read in context however, and in light of the time during which it was written.
St. Paul is admonishing the practice of young widows to fall into gossip and sin after their husbands have died. He is offering them another path--one which he believes will make them happier and more fulfilled in the long run.
It is wise when one is providing criticism to show that there is another way to be chosen. For example, during evagelization, some people yell at other people--judging them as sinners and telling them that they are going to hell. Others evangelize by talking to others about the love of God and freedom that comes when we turn our lives over to Him. Which evangelizers do you think more perfectly reflect Jesus Christ to other people?
As for reading the passage within the time frame in which it was written, when women married, they stayed at home. There was no choice. Paul is not necessarily relaying an opinion that married women "should" be at home, but rather he seems to be stating a fact of the times that married women "are" at home (back then).
I do not think the Bible specifically says one thing or another as to whether or not it is moral or better to be a stay-at-home mom or a work-outside-of-the-home mom. It is hard to make such a generalized statement for all women, for all families and for all times. Each family is different and has different needs. But I do think that the Bible and God guide us to see that if we ever feel that our jobs are harming our families or our relationships, our first obligation is to our family (over a job).
For example, a dad is working 80 hours a week and his family tells him that they miss him and feel that they are not getting the chance to know him and spend time with him. This man would be called to find another job as soon as possible out of love and obligation to God through his family. Or to discuss his working hours with his supervisor. Or whatever he can do to put his family first.
I hope this is helpful! This is a very good question and I think, a question with which every Jewish/Christian woman struggles. Thanks for reading and God bless!

Answer 9

During the time of the Bible all the jobs were at home. There weren't outside jobs.

So Yes, I guess, it is Biblical for a Mother to stay at home and raise her children.

Why would you have children if someone else is going to raise them??

Answer 10

Yes, it is very biblical. Look at society today. What is happening with our youths. Mothers mold the minds of their childern from young. They teach them decision making skills and develop their fine and gross motor skills by involving them in various indoor and outdoor activities. The television and play station games are molding the minds of our children today. Look at the morals of some of our youths.

Answer 11

Read the Proverbs 31 women.

I believe it usually is God's will for the mother to care for her own children and teach them the way that is right. Every person is different, and person should obey God's personal direction.