1) Our study starts in the first book of the Bible. Gen. 1:27 – READ
a) God made “man” in His image. Does “man” mean “male” or “man” in the sense of mankind?
b) In verse 28 we have information about this “man” subduing the earth.
2) “Man” describes both – clear from the Hebrew text as well as our English translations.
3) Male and female have been created in the image of God and both have dominion over the earth.
4) In some very significant ways men and women are equal. They both have authority over all of God’s creation.
5) By saying “male” and “female” God also implied there are some differences.
6) Adam needed a helper; he had a chance to look at the animals God had created.
a) Whatever a woman’s role is, equality must be part of the conclusion.
b) Equality does not mean that a person will have the exact same role as another individual.
c) The rest of my information is specifically designed to describe a woman’s role.
7) In describing the role of women we may offer this general answer: she is to follow the will of God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT A WOMAN’S ROLE?

a) My remaining information will fall into two categories and be from Proverbs.
b) We can define the role of women positively and negatively from the book of Proverbs.
c) In Prov. 5-9 we read about wicked women.
d) God wants women to be righteous (just as men), but some do not make this choice.
e) Prov. 5:3 refers to “strange women” (the writer is describing a prostitute).
f) Verse 3 describes enticing men – he says “her mouth is smoother than oil.”
g) Women can talk, dress, and act provocatively as they interact with men not their husbands.
h) Prov. 5 says this is not God’s will for any woman no matter what her age.
i) This teaching applies to all women – young and old. “Run” from such a woman (5:8).
2) When a woman chooses this type of role, she may be carrier of a sexually transmitted disease, verse 11.
3) The writer speaks of a person’s “body and flesh” being consumed. STD is not God’s will.
4) Another bad choice that we find in this book is found in Prov. 12 and prov. 19.
5) A woman can be like “rottenness” in a man’s bones (Prov. 12:4).
a) By a woman’s looks, actions and words females can inflict great damage on men.
b) Prov. 19:13 makes this point in an even more dramatic way.

RATHER THAN LIVE IN VIOLATION OF GOD’S WILL, GOD WANTS WOMEN TO FOLLOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS. THIS IS THEIR PROPER ROLE, AND MUCH ABOUT THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THIS TOPIC IS FOUND IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS.

a) Prov. 31:17 has a good summary of the “worthy woman.”
b) Verse 17 serves as a mini conclusion to the first few verses; it says a fine lady is a hard worker.
c) What is the proper role for a woman? She is to work. This does not mean she does it all.
d) is to be able to trust her. His “heart” trusts her.
2) Verse 12 says a wife helps her husband; in the home a wife has some responsibilities to her mate.
3) This verse says she “does him good and not evil.”
4) Verse 26 in Prov. 31 speaks of a woman offering “wise” words to her husband.
a) Prov. 31:10 – READ – text does not say a “worthy king” – he wanted a wife!
5) There are passages in the New Testament such as 1 Tim. 2 that talk about leadership in the church.
6) In those verses Paul specifically says men (males) are responsible for preaching and teaching in mixed assemblies.
7) Women have work to do – more work than they could ever hope to accomplish in a lifetime.
a) Prov. 12:4 says a wife is her husband’s “joy and crown.” What a wonderful description.
b) A woman’s role is “building her house” (Prov. 14:1). This does not mean she is a carpenter.
c) Some women work outside the home and that is recognized in Prov. 31.
d) This is a matter of personal judgment (Rom. 14). If you make this choice, bear this in mind.
8) Everything that is done outside the home should have a lower priority than work in the home. 1 Pet. 3:3-4

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