Today I read Ruth 3, in which Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions to visit Boaz for a possible marriage. Today I considered that honorable men remain honorable when presented with possible marriage partners.
Ruth Approaches Boaz
Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions in seeking a marriage with Boaz (Ruth 3:1-18). Naomi wanted Ruth to be taken care of and not have to work so hard. Boaz, a close relative, was going to be eating and drinking where the workers were separating the barley from the stalk. Naomi had Ruth clean and perfume herself and put on nice clothes. Naomi instructed Ruth to wait until Boaz had eaten, drunk and laid down to then lay at his feet and let Boaz tell her what to do. Ruth did so and gently lay at his feet such that Boaz was surprised to see her when he turned over. Ruth said she was a near relative. Boaz said he had to talk to someone first that was a closer relative. Boaz blessed her for looking at him and not young men. Boaz told her to wait there for the night and leave early in the morning before anyone can see her. Before Ruth left Boaz gave her around 50 pounds of barley to take home. Ruth took the food home and told Naomi everything. Naomi told Ruth to wait because Boaz would not rest until the matter was settled today.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Real gentlemen remain honorable when women approach them for marriage. When Ruth approached Boaz for marriage, Boaz talked to her seriously, protected, and provided for her. Boaz explained he had to talk to someone first. He made sure she stayed safe not having to run around in the middle of the night. Boaz protected her reputation by having Ruth leave before anyone saw her. He provided for Ruth by giving her a significant amount of food to take home. Men show honor in both their words and actions.
When considering a person for marriage did you look at both their words and actions?