The Bible does not explicitly prohibit women from working outside the home. However, it does outline some principles regarding gender roles within marriage and the family unit. A balanced view takes into account both cultural considerations and timeless biblical values.
The Creation Order and Submission
Genesis 1-3 establishes that God created men and women as equal before Him, both made in His image (Genesis 1:27). However, it also teaches gender-based roles rooted in the creation order. God created Adam first and gave him work to do in the Garden (Genesis 2:15). Eve was created as a “helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18) and joined Adam in his work. After the fall, part of Eve’s curse was that her desire would be for her husband, and he would rule over her (Genesis 3:16). This passage forms the basis for male headship in marriage.
Other New Testament passages echo this creation order: “For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.” (1 Corinthians 11:8-9) “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” (1 Timothy 2:12-13)
The principle derived from these verses is that God has ordained men to be the head in marital relationships. Wives are called to submit to their husbands’ leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24). That does not mean that women are inferior, only that God has sovereignly chosen this complementary order of authority for marriage.
How does this relate to women working? If a woman’s career interferes with her biblical role as helper and submission to her husband’s headship, it would go against God’s design. However, that is not always the case.
The Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the “Virtuous Wife” as a woman of many talents and accomplishments. She cares for her household, is a shrewd businesswoman, manages servants, generously helps the poor, and works with her hands doing tasks like sewing. Her efforts even provide the main source of income for her family (verse 16).
This passage shows that it is possible for a woman to diligently pursue productive work outside the home without neglecting her domestic duties. In fact, the Proverbs 31 woman’s business dealings and hard work are praised as a positive thing! The passage does not specify where all her work takes place, but at least some of it would logically occur “outside the home.”
The Problem of Idleness
Several Bible passages warn against the dangers of idleness and laziness. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” (Proverbs 24:33-34) “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness…we urge those who are idle to work quietly and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12)
While these verses do not directly apply only to women, they caution against wasting time and neglecting opportunities to productively contribute to family and society. A woman who stays home but is undisciplined or lazy is clearly at odds with scriptural principles. Working outside the home can help guard against idleness.
Using Skills and Gifts
The Bible teaches that believers should use the particular talents and gifts God has given them for the good of the church body (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:11-16). Just as men should serve God by employing their abilities, so too should women.
For example, the Proverbs 31 woman used her skill at textile work to clothe her household and even sell fine garments. Other women in Scripture served God through abilities like hospitality (Martha, Lydia), teaching children (Lois, Eunice), prophesying (Deborah, Philip’s daughters), or administrating relief efforts (Tabitha). Often these gifts were used outside of normal household tasks.
The Bible does not restrict women from pursuing education, business, politics, ministry, or other fields where they can use their God-given talents. As long as it does not compromise their marriage or family priorities, women may glorify God through professional occupations.
Providing for Family Needs
Another pragmatic reason women may work outside the home is to help provide for their family’s financial needs. The Proverbs 31 woman used her industry to ensure her household was well-provided for and her husband respected at the city gates. In times of crisis, hardship, or where the husband is unable to be the sole breadwinner, wives may need to supplement family income through professional work.
Even in better economic conditions, some families operate better with two incomes. There is no biblical command that the husband must be the sole financial provider in all cases. Wives have creative freedom to contribute through gainful employment if it aids their family and does not undermine the marriage relationship.
Exercising Wisdom and Discernment
In the end, the Bible does not hand down a definitive, one-size-fits-all rule for all women everywhere about working outside the home. There is freedom for each Christian woman to make wise decisions based on her situation. She must weigh factors like her abilities, family needs, effects on marriage, availability of work, cultural expectations, and counsel from spiritual mentors.
That is why this issue remains controversial today. Thoughtful Christians come to different conclusions. The important principles are upholding marriage and family while positively using one’s time and talents. Women in various eras and cultures can prayerfully apply biblical values to reach the decision on outside work that best honors God in their context.
Key Biblical Principles
Here are several key principles women can consider when evaluating if they should work outside the home:
- Husband has headship in marriage, wife is to submit (Ephesians 5:22-24)
- However, women are not inferior and have equal standing before God (Galatians 3:28)
- God created woman as man’s helper (Genesis 2:18)
- Wife’s first priority is caring for household (Titus 2:4-5, 1 Timothy 5:14)
- Danger of laziness and idleness (Proverbs 6:6-11)
- Freedom to use skills and talents (Romans 12:6-8)
- Wisdom to provide for family needs (Proverbs 31:10-31)
- Cultural considerations and counsel from church leaders
As long as biblical principles are not compromised, women can prayerfully seek God’s will about working outside the home. The Bible allows room for each woman to make a spirit-led decision based on her priorities, abilities, and circumstances.