"Huswifery" emerges from a complex parallel between cloth production and God's provision of redemption via grace. A conceit is a form of metaphor in which a lengthy comparison between two strikingly dissimilar things—a simple housekeeping duty and salvation—is made. The phrase "housekeeping by Christian women" was commonly used to describe the activities that would have been done by servants or slaves before the coming of Christianity. These duties included cooking, cleaning, laundry, and tending to the household animals. Household chores were considered menial work, so it wasn't surprising that they were usually left to women. Jesus said in Matthew 20:11 that "the lord thy God shall supply all your need according to his riches," which means that he will provide you with the resources you need for life's necessities. This includes providing you with a job or even vocation if that is what you desire. In the Old Testament, God supplied food for his people but didn't save them from their sins. However, under the New Covenant, his son Jesus Christ provided both food and salvation for his people. Husbandly love is important in a marriage, but it isn't the only thing needed to fulfill this commandment. Housekeeping by Christian women involves being subject to one's husband as head of the household but also includes helping him in any way you can (including not arguing with him if he is being unreasonable).