Topical Bible: Women in Business

Bible > Topical > Women in Business

◄ Women in Business ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The role of women in business, as seen through the lens of the Bible, reflects a rich tapestry of industriousness, wisdom, and leadership. Throughout Scripture, women are depicted as active participants in economic activities, contributing significantly to their households and communities.

Proverbs 31 Woman

One of the most prominent examples of a woman in business is the "Proverbs 31 Woman." This passage, found in Proverbs 31:10-31, describes a woman of noble character who engages in various business activities. She is portrayed as a shrewd entrepreneur, involved in the buying and selling of goods. Proverbs 31:16 states, "She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard." This verse highlights her acumen in real estate and agriculture, demonstrating her ability to make sound financial decisions.

The Proverbs 31 woman is also involved in manufacturing and trade. Proverbs 31:24 notes, "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants." Her industrious nature and business skills are evident as she manages her household and contributes to the family's economic well-being.

Lydia of Thyatira

In the New Testament, Lydia of Thyatira is another example of a woman engaged in business. Acts 16:14 introduces her as "a dealer in purple cloth," a luxury item in the ancient world. Lydia's business acumen and her role as a merchant suggest she was a woman of considerable means and influence. Her conversion to Christianity and subsequent hospitality to Paul and his companions (Acts 16:15) indicate her leadership within the early Christian community.

The Virtuous Woman in Business

The Bible also provides general principles that apply to women in business. Integrity, diligence, and wisdom are emphasized as virtues that lead to success. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This underscores the importance of honesty in business dealings, a principle applicable to both men and women.

Deborah: A Leader and Judge

While not directly involved in commerce, Deborah's role as a judge and leader in Israel (Judges 4-5) exemplifies the capacity of women to hold positions of authority and influence. Her leadership and wisdom were instrumental in guiding Israel during a time of crisis, demonstrating that women can effectively lead and make impactful decisions.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a balanced view of women in business, recognizing their potential to contribute economically and lead effectively. Through examples like the Proverbs 31 woman, Lydia, and Deborah, Scripture affirms the value and capability of women in various spheres of life, including business.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 31:14-18,24
She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

When, Therefore, it is Said that the Tradition against Female ...
... that this human necessity of pains and penalties is an ugly, humiliating business,
and that good motives as well as bad may have helped to keep women out of it ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 24 when therefore it.htm

But in this Corner Called England, at this End of the Century...
... told our wives that Parliament had sat late on most essential business; but it ... necessary
to the country except that the men should be men and the women women. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 22 but in this.htm

Christian Women, Further, have not the Same Causes for Appearing ...
... Chapter XI."Christian Women, Further, Have Not the Same Causes for Appearing in
Public ... Whichever of these you like to name is a business of sobriety [247] and ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter xi christian women further have.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... Are men and women being made holy? Is the present-day Church engaged in the business
of making holy men and women? This is not a vain and speculative question. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

These Discussions, Therefore, Concerning the Different Deserts of ...
... These discussions, therefore, concerning the different deserts of married women,
and of different ... to the best of my power, according to the business which I ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 19 these discussions therefore.htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... to many of this generation of the demands made upon the women of that ... They were not
only strangers, but they were traveling on business purely secular, and ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... Put the men to praying, then politics will be cleansed, business will be thriftier ...
Praying women and children are invaluable to God, but if their praying is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... The Pharisees, who made the formalities of religion their one business in life,
could ... How some of these troublesome laws related to the women is suggested by ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... As time went on, an increasing number of girls and young women entering the business
world created a social problem which weighed heavily on the rector's mind ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

Now I have Only Taken the Test Case of Female Suffrage Because it ...
... something truly intolerable in the idea of a herd of tame women being governed ... The
ugly exactitudes of business, the bells and clocks the fixed hours and rigid ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 27 now i have.htm