The Club of the Curmudgeon

(Proverbs 7:11 KJV)  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

Is “a woman’s place in the home”?  Years ago, in a more traditional time, I remember hearing something like that.  If you wanted to you could use this as a proof text.  Like many proof texts it was misused to control and manipulate people, in this case women.  It made the Bible the club of the curmudgeon rather than the sword of the Spirit.

For a simple illustration of why locking women in the kitchen is not a proper understanding, read chapter 31 about the excellent wife.  She is buying and selling property, running a small business out of her home and being heard. 

Because of that, I like the KJV’s use of “abide” (7931) better than the “remain” of the NASB.  The meaning here is more “home is where the heart is”.  At least that should be true of godly women.  It should also be true of godly men. 

So?  Take a look at your priorities.  Abide.  It is a great New Testament concept too.