Ruth 3: Virtuous Character

I am now back to my Ruth series, and just one more post should finish it up. Ruth 3 has always intrigued me, because Naomi's advice to Ruth seems so strange and bazaar to my 21st century brain. Why would Naomi tell Ruth to go to a man's dwelling and have her propose to him! Wow! Crazy stuff right? But through this chapter we can see 3 types of virtuous character that we all need to have, no matter in what time period we live.

1. Naomi's Selflessness

Naomi really appeared grouchy in chapter one, and who could blame her, right? Well, her wallowing in self pity had caused her to let one of her daughters-in-law go back to a pagan country and to pagan gods. By chapter 3 we see Naomi tell Ruth 'My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?' Basically she's telling Ruth that she wants to find a more permanent home (marriage) for her so that she wouldn't have to scavenge for food or rely on other people's generosity. What Naomi suggested isn't so bazaar as it might sound once you read Deuteronomy 25:5-10, although it still sounds pretty strange to me, and I am sure to Ruth as well, who wasn't originally from Isreal. This brings me to my next virtuous character:

2. Ruth's Courage

Instead of going 'What?' (Imagine this in a minion voice) Ruth says 'All that you say I will do.' That is a pretty courageous thing for her to do! It was something that was lawful, and it was advice given to her by someone she respected, but it still must have been a nerve racking thing to do. When there is something I know that is good to do, or I know is the will of God for me to do, do I do it? Or do I give a million reasons why I shouldn't, or can't because it's something that will make me feel uncomfortable? Joshua 1:7 says to 'be strong and courageous' to do the things God commands. 

3. Boaz's Honorableness 

Boaz sounds pretty excited about Ruth's request, when he could have groaned about her lack of money and family background (her being a foreigner). He is honest with her when he tells her that there is another kinsmen redeemer, but gives her a promise and a gift to go home with. In all this we see how Boaz's conduct is honorable and selfless. He could have easily taken advantage of her, or have shooed her away in disgust but he did neither. 


How we act in awkward, or bad situations shows how real Christ is in us. As it says in Matthew 5:16 'In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.'