Ruth, A Woman of Excellence by Ann Elaine Broughton

“And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11 NIV).

This is what Boaz told Ruth after she had gleaned in his fields in order to find food. You see Ruth was a woman of excellence. Let us look at her attributes so that we can learn from this remarkable woman. She was a Moabite who had married a Jew who had come to her country due to a famine. Her husband and father-in-law had died and her mother-in-law decided to go back to Judah. She told Ruth that she could stay in her own country, but Ruth insisted that she go with her mother-in-law. She said, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16 NIV). You see Ruth was very loyal. Are you loyal to your friends? When they ask you to pray for them, do you? Do your friends know that you will be there for them no matter what? If you say you will do something for them, do you do it?

Ruth was a hard worker and didn’t complain. She worked in the fields of Boaz, gleaning for barley that was dropped on the ground. Boaz’ servant told him, “She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter” (Ruth 2:7 NIV). She gave what she gleaned to her mother-in-law. Her hard work did not go unnoticed. Boaz told her to sit with his servant girls and then glean with them. Plus, he had told the men not to touch her, so she was protected. He also told her to get a drink whenever she liked. Boaz fell in love with her because she was a woman who worked hard and had a reputation of being a woman of noble character. He later married her. Her name is in the genealogy of Jesus.
So can others see that you are a hard worker in whatever you do? Do you do it without complaining? Are you generous to others who are in need? There is a reason why the book of Ruth is in the Bible. There are only two books in the Bible named for women: Ruth and Esther. God saw in Ruth something that was very special. Can He see those attributes in you? This week take a look at yourself and ask yourself if you are loyal and a hard worker who is generous? Take time to pray for those who are dear to you, loved ones, and friends alike.
Dear Lord,
Help us as we strive to have noble characters. Help us to work hard without complaining so that we can inspire others to do the same. Help us to be loyal to all the people we love and to give unselfishly when a need arises. Help us to be more like you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen