Americans have been blinded by the American dream. It has become a major part of our thinking that every household must have two incomes, rather than wives/mothers staying home in order to keep up the house and the countless needs of family like it was years ago.

But, so far opposed is the modernization of society from what the Bible teaches in Proverbs 31:10-31.

According to this eye-opening passage, God would have wives and mothers use the skills, talents and abilities He has imputed in them, rather than join the workforce in the same capacity as her male counterparts. Along with the Holy Spirit who indwells her, she has everything she requires in order to provide every need of her family and that includes supplemental financing.

But, with the promise of the American dream being so emphasized in our modern-day culture, many women feel that they are not doing their part unless they join the 'dog-eat-dog' cycle of things. They are convinced that without that nine to five job, they are not doing all they ought to do for their families.

Further to that end, modern-day wives have also been made to believe that their own God-given abilities are not enough, that somehow if they focus on their talents they are kidding themselves that natural talent lacks the propensity for anything substantial for themselves and their families. So many wives end up feeling they must go out and earn a living in the same way as men. And not only that, it is also common for wives and mothers to believe that if they don’t go out into the workforce they are cheating themselves, like being part of the workforce is their God-given right. (This discussion excludes single women who must work as a man to support themselves, and wives whose husbands require financial assistance.)

But, the passage in Proverbs 31 says nothing about wives acting just like men when it comes to being productive. In fact, it’s laid out very clearly in God's Word that a woman’s role in marriage is far different from that of her husband’s.

First of all, a virtuous wife is more valuable than rubies, a blessing to her husband, able to use her talents to make money, and always there for her family regardless of the hour of day or night, by putting others before herself. Moreover, she doesn’t hold back her hand from the needy, including those outside of her household.

But, society doesn’t reflect these values. Our American culture does not recognize that women can earn money right from their homes, so that they can multitask, that is, take care of the needs of home and family, while at the same time bringing in supplemental funds to help her husband and use her creativity to benefit her community.

It’s very sad that we Americans have completely missed this Biblical Truth:

10 “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies,

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.

15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.

20 She extends her hands to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.”

NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.