The article Seeing the “Woman of Power” written by Jaime Waters presents and analyses parts of the Bible that shed light on Christian perception of women and their role in life. The author claims that “the woman’s work” should be interpreted as female strength and power needed to support her family, community, and herself, instead of direct subordination to men. In terms of research questions, Waters finds out how the Bible defines the role of women in business and identifies Christian reasoning supporting entrepreneurship. Waters tries to find answers in stories depicted in Proverbs and the Gospel of Matthew.
The author refutes the misleading interpretation of the first reading from Proverbs. The work of women here was often seen as a sign of lesser status limited to home affairs. On the contrary, Waters insists that female contributions are examples of strength, depicting their intellectual and business management abilities. The author comments on Proverb 31claiming that woman “a helper to people in need and successful in business, as she ‘enjoys the profits from her dealings’” (Waters, 2020, p. 68). The woman is presented as a tireless worker able to fulfill different tasks and roles. The author claims that the woman of power can be a great role model for both genders.
Next part analyses the parable about the three men from the Gospel of Matthew. Consulting the more extensive Gospel content, Waters (2020) states that “resources (money, talents, faith) should be strengthened and increased, as the woman of power’s example makes clear, even without instruction” (68). The researcher insists that this story does not guide people on exploiting the poor; instead, it is “about maximizing potential, not simply hiding it away” (Waters, 2020, p. 68). The parable reminds humans to prepare themselves for Jesus’ second coming and final judgment, capitalizing on what is given to them.
The research findings have mainly positive implications as they refute the old-fashioned interpretation that contributed to gender inequality in the workplace. The author interpreted the parables in the broader context assessing preceding and succeeding didactic stories. Another article similarly highlights women’s diverse attributes, including reflection, entrepreneurship, strength, vision, and leadership (Kneller, 2019). However, Kneller’s interpretation is more centered on the idea of the wise-helper and husband/family priority.
References
Kneller, S. (2019). Proverbs 31, feminism and women’s rights. What mix?The Explanation. Web.
Waters, J. L. (2020). Seeing the ‘Woman of Power.’ America, 223(6), 67–68.