Putting Women in Their Place

(Proverbs 31:31 KJV)  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

We need to understand the way in which our spiritual culture has viewed the place of women.  There is a lot of false stereotyping that goes on about how women were oppressed by patriarchal civilizations and how they were second class citizens.  It is hard to take that position if you read over this chapter of primary source material from that date.  Today you can focus on this last verse with me.

A woman was to benefit from the “product” (6529) she makes.  She was not considered a slave producing for the leisure and wealth of a man.  She produced and shared in the wealth.  A wife was considered a partner in the enterprise of marriage.  The second part of this verse informs us that she deserves public recognition for her “works” (4639). 

So?  Take the words of Peter,

(1 Peter 3:7 KJV)  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Accept that fact of strength and weakness but notice that part about being “heirs together.”  Don’t let the world around you try to take away the rich heritage of how the Bible has taught us to treat each other.  Walk in joy and pride in the lessons God has given us.