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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (11)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
Ruth 3:6-13

Philippians 4:8-9

 

“Think on these things.”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (11)
 
When called upon for action, Boaz did not rush into action. He exercised wisdom and applied himself to act lawfully. In his previous interactions with Ruth, he had been very gracious. He had acknowledged the virtues that were known in Ruth and even blessed her of the LORD. When Ruth called upon him to do the part of the kinsman, even if he was inclined to do so, he did not subvert the law in order to do so. What was within his power to do, he did promptly, but what Ruth had asked was not entirely up to him. Although he was willing to do it, he did not subvert or ignore what was lawful.
 
“…thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning…” (Ruth 3:10). If our words are a reflection of our hearts, and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, then the words of Boaz as recorded in the Book of Ruth present a picture of grace in the heart. The character of Boaz can be an illustration of the apostle Paul’s call for our “speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col 4:6). Although he was woken up and startled at midnight, and called upon to do what was until then unexpected to him, he was still moved by Ruth’s choice and acknowledged her kindness. He noted her sacrifice and restraint. His focus at this unexpected hour was not his interrupted sleep, or the scandal that could ruin his respectable reputation. His thoughts did not wander away from the subject matter at hand. He paid attention to Ruth’s proposal, and began to address it by acknowledging and encouraging her in the request and the choice she had made.
 
What effect the words had upon Ruth who had “taken a risk” and had exposed herself to possible shame or rejection in seeking out security and joy in her husband’s home. How comforting the words seasoned with grace are! Yet, we ought to ask ourselves: How many lives have been ruined by misplaced words, not well thought out or weighed, but spoken hastily and selfishly? Boaz knew he was not the nearest kin, and there was a possibility that he might not be the one to marry Ruth.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 25:11.)

PRAYER: Father, may I be kind through my words, acts and attitudes.

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