A Keeper at Home

For Women By Women

By Paula Neff

July 17, 2026

Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home….

This passage in Titus lists duties for the young wives and mothers and a responsibility for the older women.  All through our lives God is watching over us, guiding us, making provision for us.  The Bible in Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a wife and mother as a foundational pillar of the family.  It emphasizes roles of mutual respect and partnership in marriage, and highlights the virtues of nurturing, wisdom, and faithfulness in raising a household.  Proverbs 19:14 states that a “prudent wife is from the Lord.”

We know that God’s purpose for the Christian woman is to glorify Him.  Genesis tells us that God created the woman to be her husband’s “helpmeet.”  That word carries with it the meaning of being an “encourager.”  As a wife and/or mother, the woman glorifies God by being an encourager to her husband and children.

In Titus 2:5 “keepers at home” is translated from the Greek word “oikouros.”  It is the only time it is used in the Bible. It comes from two Greek words “oikos” meaning household, family, home, and “ouros” meaning keeper, as in warden, guard, guardian, being aware or watching.  It has the sense of watch-care over the family and the resources in the home.

Being a wife and mother is an important position.  She has the role of guarding the home atmosphere and the influences that come into that home through media and the things that are done in the home.  It is an important responsibility and glorifies God when it is fulfilled.

Reflection—Be the best “keeper at home” you can be.  It honors and glorifies God.