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PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (2)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Ruth 2:13-17

Hebrews 6:9-12

 

“In all labour there is profit:
but the talk of the lips

tendeth only to penury.”

 

PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (2)
 
The profit of diligence is reaped with consistency. The testimony concerning Ruth in 2:7, was that she “hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.” But even after Boaz had spoken kindly of her and taken notice of her, and after she had received invitation to share a meal with the reapers and was satisfied, she returned to her work. She had eaten and drunk to receive strength for her business, not to indulge herself and be unfit to work. Grace received should always strengthen the heart and hand for work.
 
“…Let her glean even among the sheaves… And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her…” (Ruth 2:15-16). The hand of providence was not done with Ruth. Unknown to her, as she went back to her gleaning, was the instruction that would make abundant provision for her. The instruction was a very charitable one. It was one that brought charity with dignity. The charity she would receive was both subject and commensurate to her effort and diligence. She had been diligent since morning. If she continued with the same zeal and effort, she would get more. The command was permissive and relational. It rested on how the workers would treat her as she went about her work with diligence. “Let her glean” (Ruth 2:15) was the permission given. In her continued effort and zeal, she might draw near the sheaves not yet reaped, not with intention to intrude but out of concentration on her task. And when that happened, “let her glean.” “Let fall also some” (Ruth 2:16) was the permission extended. These were purposeful provisions made for her. The reapers were instructed to be conscious of her, such that if they knew she was behind them and would glean, then they would let some handfuls fall in her path on purpose. Diligence sustained brings profit. Boaz did not give her the corn, but allowed her to earn the corn. He did not rob her of her self-respect; he rewarded and reinforced her work ethic, and at the same time practised Christ’s principle in giving: “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matt 6:3).
 
THOUGHT: Kindness kept private preserves the receiver’s dignity.

PRAYER: Father, may I be diligent in work, and courteous in kindness.

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