I’m going to make a comparison in this blog. When I do, I don’t want you to over-rotate and suppose I’m suggesting women cannot be independent business owners who hold the rightful title of “President” or “Chief Executive Officer (CEO)”, or even both. What I would like you to consider is how the Bible describes these roles in the same context. Finally, I’d like to say up front that the label “President” is never used in the Bible (except in some translations in Daniel 6, but it’s irrelevant), so I ask that you allow me the efficiency of using the word as follows:
President (in the business context):
- Oversees day-to-day internal operations and execution
- Manages department heads and enforces company policies
- Reports directly to the CEO
The Bible describes a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. That woman aligns quite tidily with the working definition above.
Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
– Proverbs 31:23-31
Presidents are so critical to the well-being of an organization that when they fail, the company at large fails and may even go out of business. Women are just as critical to the family structure, serving as “presidents” who preside over all daily operations, administration, delegation, tracking, and so on. There are many responsibilities the president of a family holds; only in a family, the profits are bestowed on the souls of those in the family versus shareholders on Wall Street. Ask yourself, which position holds a greater responsibility?
The Bible is very clear on which presidential role carries more value to God.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
– 1 Timothy 6:17-19
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
– Luke 12:16-21
The president of a household (even if a woman lives alone) is far more valuable to God than the president of a company. Some women who lean towards the modern perversion of feminism might argue there’s still one spot left in a company that should also be open for their occupation. This is true, but only in business.
CEO (Chief Executive Officer):
- Shapes high-level strategy and long-term goals.
- Acts as the external public face for investors, media, and partners.
- Reports directly to the board of directors.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the company president have distinct roles: the CEO defines long-term vision, the president manages daily operations, and the CEO ranks higher in corporate hierarchy. In some companies, one person often holds both titles. Can/do women hold both titles today? Indeed. According to Proverbs 31, a woman can be as industrious as she’d like, starting her own business ventures for the sake of the welfare of her family.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard…She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
– Proverbs 31:16, 24
A godly woman is truly enterprising, but her heart ought to remain with her family. If her business activities begin to adversely affect her household responsibilities, she’ll need to make choices to mitigate and prioritize.
A woman’s priority must always be with her higher order presidency, the household. Also, in the household context, God has designed men to be CEO. That is also evident when you read Proverbs 31. The office of CEO carries with it another set of responsibilities that God holds men accountable to in the household (but that’s not the encouragement I’m writing about in this blog).
My prayer is that women understand the value of their presidency in the home. They are a pillar of familial success. Women are behind so many of the most magnificent aspects of God-given miracles, starting with giving birth and then raising children in the family, teaching them Holy Scripture, hymns, and prayers. This same functionality may extend into the church family, as well (Titus 2:3-5). Does God hold the “CEO” of the household ultimately responsible? You bet. But He also holds the “President” responsible. In fact, children are often the reflection of the mother first.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
– Proverbs 10:1
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
– Proverbs 29:15
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
– Proverbs 15:20
Ladies, please be encouraged by this blog. You are the presidents of your households, installed by God, whether there’s one or ten of you! Never allow common pride, or the pride of others, to undermine your devotion to the Lord’s work. Embrace your calling, for the stakes are immeasurably high…much higher than some stock price.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins