Christians - Is it Biblical for a mother to have a career outside the home?

Question

My opinion is that is is very acceptable for a woman to work outside the home, but I would like to hear other people's viewpoints on this. After all not every woman has planned pregnancies and not every woman has a husband that can support the family.

What is your opinion on this issue?

Answer 1

I think that if Solomon's superwoman as described in Proverbs 31 were operating today, she'd probably be running a small factory rather than a home industry. It's interesting that in her list of attributes there is no mention of her childcare. She's a good organiser and keeps everyone well fed and clothed, and her children rise up and call her blessed, but there's nothing about her giving them quality time or kissing them better when they've hurt themselves or even taking them to synagogue. If it weren't for the fact that at the end she is mentioned as fearing God, we'd wonder whether she had a spiritual dimension.

The Bible's other working mothers are all home based. Even judges such as Judith and Deborah may have waited for their families to grow up before they were experienced enough to judge Israel.

We must conclude that the Bible doesn't supply us with many ready points of reference on this one. Women are to care for their families and see that they are not lacking in what they need; they are to educate their children and to discipline them where needed and it goes without saying that they love their families. It is up to the individual woman to decide what is best for her family and for herself, probably -- but not inevitably -- in that order. She shouldn't be judged by others for the decision she comes to in that regard. Not everyone can afford the luxury of choice.

Answer 2

The Bible does not say anything against a woman working outside the home. It does say we are all supposed to work (weather it be in or out of the home) though. I say for most people it is necessary. If a woman can afford the choice, that is a luxury and a blessing. But there's nothing wrong with a woman working outside the home that I know of. Although there can be other issues that go along with it, depending on individuals and their situations, where it may or may not be the right thing to do, but that is another story.

Answer 3

Titus 2:3-5 says "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Notice they are to teach the younger women to be "keepers at home". This, however, does not mean the woman cannot work outside the home, but any outside employment should not detract from the responsability they have to the home. (The same thing can be said to the men.) This sometimes is a difficult balance to maintain.

Many women in the Bible did conduct business. Another answer has already referenced the "worthy woman" of Proverbs 31. Also, Lydia (Acts 16:14) was a "seller of purple".

Yes a woman can bibically work outside of the home. No person (man or woman), however, should allow a carrier to come before the home or service to God!

One should not work just so you can have more and nicer "things" (newest car, big house, etc.). Be sure to keep the proper priorities in focus!

Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

Answer 4

Many Christians have self assurance that the Bible teaches that adult men and girls have of course defined roles and that a woman's place is to stay homestead and guard teenagers. yet, no longer all women folk did this in the bible. working example, Deborah, a prophetess in the previous testomony held an significant political and non secular place in Israel. So, i do no longer think of the Bible or the church custom might inevitably say women folk shouldn't artwork. That being mentioned, mothers and fathers could desire to take care of their toddlers. this is a shared duty between father and mom and that's between the main extreme projects God has given us. If the youngsters are in daycare so as that the mothers and fathers can earn extra money to spend on possessions, then i might initiate having some problems with the placement.

Answer 5

Sure, but not at any price.
She, like the husband, still has responsibilities at home and they cannot be abandonned because she may work outside the home.
Proverbs 31:14-19 hints a woman might also work outside the home.

Answer 6

The husband should support the family,and make what necessary sacrifices to do so.The man's biblical role is to be the leader and the lover.As far as women working.I don't see a problem.You do what you must to survive.My mother in law was a stay at home wife for years,but when it came time to go to work to survive,she never looked back,and she is happier because of it.A wife and or mother that has dedicated her life to her family and her church are troopers.The husband has got to pick up the pace.

Men that make their wives stay at home are on a ego trip.

Women that keep their husbands in line are awesome.

It's the job of the wife to get the best Christian man she can out of her husband.

Marriage is 50/50.

Answer 7

I am a Christian and feel that it is absolutely fine to work outside the home. I have never read anything in the Bible that states that a mother must stay at home. But, if it is possible to stay at home, why not? I have been a stay-at-home Mom for 7 years and have enjoyed every moment of it, but it is not for everyone. It is the hardest job in the world. Good luck!

Answer 8

I don't have a problem with the woman working outside of the home. Unless the husband has a very well paying job, it will take both incomes to make it.

Answer 9

Considering the way society was when the bible was written and today - how could you expect to find anything?

That would be like asking what the bible says about cell phone use.

And for the record, just because women have been saddled with being the only gender that can get preggers doesn't mean they're the only gender who can stay home and take care of the little twerps.

Let's PLEASE not backslide to the days before we got the right to vote!

Answer 10

I think working outside of the home has nothing to do with the Bible but tradition. Some people in different cultures were raised to stay home moms where on others moms were raised as independent adults as well. Its a matter of your own opinion and what you want to do. Working is a part of life.. your decision.