There is not one place in the Bible that God commands women to provide for their family. God specifically commands men to be the providers. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel {1 Timothy 5:8}. Do you notice that this command is all in the male pronoun? Also, the curse given to man in Genesis 3:17 was through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. My Dad never wanted my Mom to work outside of the home. He became a doctor and worked hard so she could be at home and raise his three daughters. Most men back then did not want their wives to work outside of the home. They knew it was their responsibility to provide for the family.
Oh, how far we've come thanks to the feminist's movement and women being discontent in their God-ordained calling. Read the entire chapter of 1 Timothy. Widows under 60 years old are commanded to remarry, bear children and guide the home so the adversary has no occasion to speak reproachfully. Widows over 60 years old are supposed to be supported by their family, if they have one and if not, the church is to take care of the widows. John MacArthur has said that his church takes care of its widows. They aren't supposed to have to leave their homes and work.
Men are commanded to provide for their families. If they don't, they are worse than an unbeliever! This is harsh language but this is why I love Paul. He doesn't water down the Truth but speaks it boldly. There is also nowhere that Scripture commands men to be keepers at home or guide the home. It doesn't say that a wise man builds his home but a foolish man tears it down. This verse is specific to women. The curse woman was given in Genesis was I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth, in pain you will bring forth children, thus her life revolves around the home and family, not having to bear the burden of providing for it.
Therefore, this is God's ideal for families. The wife is the keeper at home and the husband is the provider for the home. Easy. Uncomplicated. They both know their roles. The husband is the leader. The wife is the help meet. The roles are not blurred in any way. There's no fighting about who will do the dishes or who will make the money. It's clear and easily understandable. This is the way God ordained it. He likes things orderly since there is less division when things are orderly and operating in their given place.
Yes, we live in a fallen world but we should always be striving for God's ideal since it is best for us. If your husband wants you to work, gently explain to him that God commands that he provide for the family. If he isn't convicted, work joyfully as unto the Lord and pray He will convict your husband. He is a powerful God and we can put our whole trust in Him for He is good.
For God is not the author of confusion,
but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1 Corinthians 14:33
But all things should be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40
