Life Lessons from the Book of RUTH

Ruth 3:10-14

And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followeth not young men, whether poor or rich.

And now, my daughter, fear not, I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.

Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman unto thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the Lord liveth. Lie down until the morning.

And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor. (KJV)

^10-13 He said, “God bless you, my dear daughter! What a splendid expression of love! And when you could have had your pick of any of the young men around. And now, my dear daughter, don’t you worry about a thing; I’ll do all you could want or ask. Everybody in town knows what a courageous woman you are—a real prize! You’re right, I am a close relative to you, but there is one even closer than I am. So stay the rest of the night. In the morning, if he wants to exercise his customary rights and responsibilities as the closest covenant redeemer, he’ll have his chance; but if he isn’t interested, as God lives, I’ll do it. Now go back to sleep until morning.”

¹⁴ Ruth slept at his feet until dawn, but she got up while it was still dark and wouldn’t be recognized. Then Boaz said to himself, “No one must know that Ruth came to the threshing floor.” The Message

Verse 10

Ruth had not followed her own fleshly instincts in looking for a younger husband. She had done what was right according to the law and the advice of her mother-in-law. “More kindness in the latter end than at the beginning” – perhaps he was comparing her kind treatment of Naomi in relation to her proposal to him. It is evident he was pleased with her request. Perhaps it was something he had thought of, but did not dream would be possible.

We can see from these verses that Boaz did not consider himself a young man. He seemed surprised that she would not be anxious for a young husband.

Verse 11-12

Boaz recognizes that her motives were pure in coming there. Her life has been a good testimony to her faith and trust in God. She is no man-chaser.

Boaz accepted her proposal, but with one reservation: he is not the nearest kinsman. He could take her as wife without asking permission of the nearest kinsman, but he was a man of character and wanted to do things right. He must give the nearest kinsman the first opportunity for Ruth’s hand in marriage, even if it meant that he would lose Ruth.

It is a great temptation in life, especially in our day, to be afraid that we won’t get what we want unless we shortcut the system. Boaz wasn’t like that.

Verse13

Ruth could not return home until morning. The city gates were closed and locked at night. She was to stay there under his protection until morning.

The words of Boaz showed absolute trust that God will work the matter out for the best for all of them. He wants Ruth, but if it would be best for his cousin to have her, he is willing. Boaz shows her true love, not selfish love, for her. “As the Lord liveth” - calling God to witness his commitment.

Verse 14

The writer makes it very clear that nothing improper went on between them, and she left before it was light enough for anyone to see who she was. The night watch at the threshing floor was strictly a man’s affair and the motives of a woman coming to the floor would be suspect. Boaz wanted to make sure that no gossip was circulated.

Dear God, Teach me integrity and patience. Help me to wait for Your will instead of making things happen on my own, circumventing the process. Give me understanding that when I do things You way – even though it may mean an outcome other than what I want – it will always work out for my best. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.