Scripture Reading: Song of Songs 1:5, 2:15
A survey from Pew research found that 28% of Americans believe that it is “generally better for a marriage if the husband earns more than his wife.” Another study found that men’s egos were bruised when their wives or girlfriends excelled at work. Women sometimes worry that their achievements will make them seem threatening or unattractive, so they downplay their accomplishments. [1] But that’s not based on biblical wisdom. Instead, the Bible affirms the beauty of working women.
Song of Solomon is a book of love poetry that praises the beauty and value of a working woman. Just a few verses in, the woman states that her skin is dark because she works in a vineyard in the sun. In the ancient world, aristocracy looked down on darker skin, not for racial reasons but for economic reasons; it was a sign of the working class, who typically worked outdoors. In God’s love letter, however, the effects of work don’t diminish a woman’s beauty. “I am black and beautiful,” the woman says.
The remainder of this book highlights the value of work for both men and women. The second chapter describes them working together in a vineyard to keep animals from eating the harvest. The man and woman are so in love with each other that they turn work into a game. Together, they chase away the “little foxes.” This picture of work hearkens back to the Garden of Eden, where work was easy and pleasant. It’s as if the couple experiences a glimpse of God’s future redemption wherein “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” (Isaiah 65:21)
The joyful partnership in this verse reflects work as it was intended, while the beauty of the woman reveals how God views working women. Participation in the workplace doesn’t detract from a woman’s worth or beauty in God’s eyes.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you affirm the beauty and value of women who work. Amen.
Further Exploration: For more on men and women working together in love, see the Theology of Work Bible Commentary on Song of Solomon.
[1] “Leaning In at Work, Traditionalist at Home: Women Who Hide Their Success.” Time, May 2, 2014, http://time.com/85391/leaning-in-at-work-traditionalist-at-home-women-who-hide-their-success/
Author: Theology of Work Project
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