God has a role and a purpose for women in life. Paul says, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." (1 Timothy 5:14). In Titus 2:5 we are taught that the older women are to teach the younger women to be "keepers at home." We have a new generation who are being influenced by the Feminist Movement and the media (television, etc.), instead of by godly, older women. Dr. Grace Ketterman writes: "Perhaps the most urgent need of our era is the restoration of the high value of godly mothering." Those of us who cherish Biblical values must teach and practice them consistently.

We are told in Proverbs 7:11-12 regarding the strange woman, that, "she is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner." She is not a "keeper at home." Also, in 1 Timothy 5:13, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." They are certainly not being "keepers at home." A keeper is one who has charge, care, or oversight over something. A wife is to have charge, care, and oversight over the home.

"Keepers at home" is more accurately rendered, "workers at home." Staying at home is not the intention. One can stay at home and not be pleasing to God. The home is to be her responsibility. Too many times this responsibility is given to someone else.

When a wife works outside the home, things change dramatically. After a hard day's work, she is not likely to be as attentive to her husband. It is even worse if a child is involved. The home should be a haven for the child. Unfortunately, many children never experience this. Many are rushed off to daycare and then picked up in the evening. A psychologist gave this illustration. She asked if anyone would consider an employee who clocked out at 7:30 in the morning and didn't return till 6:00 in the evening a good and dependable employee. Absolutely not! Would the same not be true of a mother who leaves her children for the day only to return to pick them up and get them home in time to put them to bed? It is not the childcare's place to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4.

If a mother works outside the home and is in violation of her God-given duties, then she is truly in sin. There are circumstances where a mother has to work. Remember, the woman of Proverbs 31 had a home business. Lydia is also mentioned as a seller of purple in Acts 16:14. It is always best that a woman who is married stay home and guide the house. This is where the wife and husband should ask for God's wisdom.

The young woman must be taught how to care for her house so that her husband will be recognized in the gates as he sits with the elders. Her children will rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he will praise her. Proverbs 31:23, 28.

The most important role of a woman is to be a Christian. If she is a Christian, she will be a wonderful wife and mother. 102 Laramie Rd., Marietta, OH 45750.

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