Women’s Position in Society
The Bible offers insight into what characteristics and roles are attributed to women. Depending on the context, these roles may be limited or broad. Biblical Scriptures state that women were created and set apart to fulfill specific God-given roles, with the understanding that all women should be respected. For many, this idea of respect is one of the main concepts behind the Christian faith.
Today, the role of women in society has changed dramatically, and many don’t understand how the Bible fits into the modern world. Women now have more rights and freedoms, including the right to vote, have their own businesses, and even become religious leaders. In some contexts, women have authority in all areas of their lives, from education to career.
Despite this rapid change in society, the way in which women are viewed in the Bible has not. The Bible remains clear and consistent regarding the roles of women, both as mothers and wives. While there is some variation in how men and women are described, the strong underlying message is one of mutual respect, with both sexes being called to serve one another humbly and faithfully.
Women’s Role in the Family
The Bible speaks of the importance of a woman’s role in the family. According to Scripture, a wife is to submit to her husband as the head of the family. In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul wrote that “wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord”. In the same way, husbands are instructed to love their wives sacrificially and lead the family with absolute temperance and fairness.
The Bible also speaks of a woman’s responsibility to nurture and support her children. In Proverbs 31:29, King Solomon writes, “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” This verse is encouraging women to use their influence and wisdom to raise children in the way of the Lord. Women have the responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, teaching them about His word, and disciplining them in a loving and compassionate way.
Women are also expected to be models of submission and gentleness. As the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies, a woman should be gentle in her speech and be humble, reverent, and trustworthy. In Titus 2:3-5, women are instructed to be keepers of the home, managing affairs with diligence, and not wasting their time on frivolous pursuits.
Women in the Church
The Bible speaks about the role of women in the church, but it may surprise some to learn that the Bible actually does not forbid women from serving as spiritual leaders. In the New Testament, women served as deacons, prophets, teachers, and evangelists. The Bible also makes references to women exercising their spiritual gifts in the church.
The Bible gives guidance to churches on how they should treat and honor women in the church. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul instructs churches to allow qualified women to serve in leadership positions, and in 1 Corinthians 11, he acknowledges the importance of women’s contribution to the congregation. Women should be given equal access to spiritual gifts and should be encouraged to fully use their God-given gifts.
The Bible also encourages churches to extend the same respect to all women, regardless of class or race. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus”. This verse speaks about the way in which every person, male or female, is equal before God.
Women in the Workplace
The Bible speaks of the importance of work, and this applies to both men and women. Women are encouraged to use their skills and talents to their fullest, and are given permission to find satisfaction and purpose in their workplaces. For example, in Proverbs 31:10-31, a godly woman is described as working hard in her various occupations.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of balancing work and home life, with women being called to respect the sanctity of her home while pursuing her career goals. In Titus 2:5, Paul writes, “that the women should be discreet, chaste, sober, and keepers at home”. This verse speaks to the fact that while a woman may pursue a career, she should also be mindful of her responsibility to her family, ensuring that her home life is not neglected.
Moreover, the Bible speaks of the reward for hard work and diligence. Proverbs 31 speaks of a virtuous women “who looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”. This verse speaks of the importance of being diligent in all areas of a woman’s life, and being rewarded for her efforts.
Women’s Respect for God
The Bible speaks of the importance of honoring God when it comes to the roles and behavior of women. A woman is encouraged to follow God’s commands, live a life of virtue and humility, and seek God’s presence and protection in all areas of her life. These qualities should be exemplified in everything from the way a woman speaks, to the way she acts, to the way she loves.
The Bible also speaks about the importance of modesty and avoiding ostentatious displays of vanity or pride. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul writes, “In like manner also that women adorn themselves modestly, in righeousness and sobriety; not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array”. This verse speaks volumes when it comes to dressing modestly and avoiding displays of vanity.
Moreover, the Bible speaks of the importance of exercising self-control, in both their thoughts and their actions. Women should strive to be equitable and honorable in all areas of their lives, and should strive to uphold God’s standards in everything they do. Women should also desire to be filled with the spirit of God, setting an example of peace, patience and kindness.
Women as Servants of God
The Bible speaks of the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life, both in private and public. Women have a special role in serving God, and are called to be faithful in their worship, prayer and stewardship. Women are encouraged to serve and reflect the love of Jesus in their relationships, and to use the gifts He has given them to the fullest extent.
Women are also called to be faithful to God’s word, and to live a life of holiness and purity. In Titus 2:3-5, Paul writes of these qualities, “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. That they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.” Women are to use the Word of God to teach the younger generation, so that they may learn to love and serve God.
In addition, women should remember to use their influence for good, to bring glory to God, and inspire others to serve Him. Women are to use their influence for good, and to live a life of humility and gratitude. The Bible speaks of the importance of honoring God in all things and that includes being a faithful steward of the gifts He has given us.
Women’s Role in the Community
The Bible speaks of the importance of women serving in their community. Women are given the responsibility to use their gifts to serve others and to use their wisdom and influence to make a positive impact. In Proverbs 31:20-25, King Solomon writes of the qualities of a godly woman, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” This verse speaks of the importance of being generous, thoughtful, and wise with the gifts God has given us.
In addition, women are expected to use their influence in the community for the good of others. Women have the responsibility to use their influence for good, and to lead the way for others to find joy and meaning in their lives. In 1 Timothy 5:10, Paul writes, “that the younger women should be married, and bear children, and guide the house”. This verse speaks to the responsibility women have to lead and love those around them.
Moreover, the Bible encourages us to engage with our community in a meaningful way. Women should use their influence to help those in need, to serve the vulnerable and to lend a helping hand to those who are in need. Women should strive to be examples of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
Women’s Influence
The Bible speaks of the power of a woman’s influence not just in the home and in the church, but in the world at large. Women can use their intellect and their gifts to bring about positive change, to affect policy and to make positive contributions to society. In Proverbs 31:30-31, King Solomon writes of a noble woman, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and her tongue is the law of kindness. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” This verse speaks about a woman’s ability to be strong, wise, and to exercise her influence in a positive way.
Also, the Bible speaks of the responsibility we all have to use our influence to help make the world a better place. In Proverbs 31:8-9, King Solomon writes, “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Women have the responsibility to use their influence and their voices to advocate for change, justice and mercy.
In addition, the Bible speaks of the importance of using our gifts to help and serve those in need. Women are called to use their unique gifts and influences to bless and care for those who are in need. In Micah 6:8, we are encouraged to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” This verse speaks to the importance of being a faithful and gracious servant of God.
