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"And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman."-- Boaz, Kinsman Redeemer
Passage Summary: A conversation that hatches a plan (3:1-5), a plan that hatches a conversation (3:6-15), two wait, while one works (3:16-18).
The Power of Virtue: Can you imagine what would have happened on the threshing floor that night if Ruth had not already established her reputation in the hearts of the people of Bethlehem? Ruth was a prepared woman for a prepared marriage. Proverbs 31 continues to inspire us with its description of the virtuous woman. A virtuous woman is loyal (vss. 11-12), hard working: she works hard at clothing her household (vss. 13, 18-19, 21-22), she works hard at feeding her household. (vss. 14-16), generous (vs. 20), wise (vss. 16, 24, 26), and kind (vs. 26).
Ruth and Virtue: Ruth exemplifies the virtuous woman with her loyalty (Ruth 1:16-17), work ethic (Ruth 2:2-7), generosity (Ruth 2:18), wisdom (Ruth 3:5-6), and kindness (Ruth 3:10).
It wasn't easy for Ruth! The revolting origin of her tribe of Moab (Genesis 19:37), the open and scheming opposition of King Balak and the false prophet Balaam (Numbers 22-25), and the outright curse (Deuteronomy 23:3) God had placed on the Moabites did not exactly commend Ruth for marriage into a Jewish family! (Not to mention the less than desirable aspects of the whole kinsman redeemer rule, and the fact that Ruth was living in poverty.) Ladies, do you sometimes feel you will never overcome your background and the "baggage" you have brought into your marriage? Do you ever feel you will never overcome your past? Was your mom or dad a drug addict, your dad a dead-beat, your whole family, as far back as you can remember, a mess? Don't forget Ruth! God was able to place her into a new life, in part, because her virtue commended her life to all of those around her. There is hope!
"Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates."-- Proverbs 31:29-31 (NKJV)
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