Ruth a Woman of CharacterSample

Courage to Choose

As Ruth’s story progresses, she continues to show strong character. At Naomi’s suggestion, she displayed one of the most important characteristics of life and love: courage.

Every choice we make is a risk. Every decision leads to a consequence, and we cannot control how the results turn out—even when we steward our choices wisely. That’s not all, either. Making a specific decision closes us off to the other choices we might have made. It requires a commitment. We put our hopes in someone or something that could let us down.

The harvest was in full bloom, and Boaz was celebrating. He was winnowing barley on the threshing floor, eating, drinking, and in good spirits. Naomi told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative and therefore eligible by law to marry her and redeem Naomi’s land. At Naomi’s suggestion, Ruth was to lie down beside Boaz on the threshing floor. It would put her in an utterly compromising situation with Boaz. However, what Naomi suggested could create the opportunity for Boaz, a man of character and means, to consider marrying Ruth. Did Ruth have the courage to make herself so vulnerable? Yes. Ruth trusted Naomi. She had trusted her in Moab, and she continued to trust her in Judah. Ruth trusted Naomi and Naomi’s God. So, she did what Naomi said.

Boaz commended Ruth for her actions later in Chapter 3 in two ways. He called her a person of noble character, whose reputation is known through the community. Boaz also commended her for seeking him out rather than chasing younger, good-looking men. Though Ruth was beautiful and young, she gave priority to Naomi’s security and her own.

Ruth’s choices were bold, value-based decisions and required great courage, commitment, and character. Ruth trusted Naomi and Boaz. In doing so, it turned out she was trusting God, who blessed her immensely. She honored God with her courage, and God honored her because of her courage.

Our choices reveal who or what we trust. Each day we have the opportunity to make choices to honor God and His ways. Let’s make true, bold, courageous choices, and trust God for the outcome.