Ruth: Her Humility

Proverbs 22:4, "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." Solomon would pass these words on to his son, the audience of the book of Proverbs. I would imagine that Solomon had seen this lesson repeated in his life and in his father's stories. But it would seem viable that he learned this in the story of his ancestry. Solomon was the great-great-grandson of Ruth, the noble Moabite woman who would marry Boaz of Bethlehem.

Ruth was forced into widowhood and embraced her mother-in-law, choosing to remain with her, identify with her people, and solemnly serve her God. She was a remarkably loyal woman and, with that, an exceptionally humble woman. In Ruth chapter two, this image of her humility shines forth. In humility, Ruth would go to glean from the fields, a practice of the poor afforded and protected by God's law (Lev 23:22). When humbly going about her business, evidently seeking to supply for her widowed mother-in-law (2:18), she is noticed by the God-fearing, generous, bachelor Boaz.

Having inquired of who the mysterious woman at the edge of his field was (2:5), this woman who worked tirelessly, he approached. Many a rich man would have approached to shoo away, rebuke them for the amount harvested, or angrily charge their dismissal. Such was not the reason for Boaz's attention and interaction. Boaz went on to increase where she could harvest, how much she could harvest, and even what she could enjoy (2:8-9). Boaz came and offered such and even treated her to more because her tireless work was not for her profit. Instead, she aimed to supply for Naomi (2:11), and Boaz realized that the power to reward was in his hands (2:12).

Ruth did not get a reward because she was selfish. Ruth did not receive it because she expected to. Ruth received this because of her goodness and faithfulness to Naomi and God. As a result, the Lord blessed by the hand of Boaz - in this instance, with sustenance, later with marriage. Have we considered the good that would be opened to us if we pursued humble service? Have we considered what God would provide if our eyes were set upon Him and His people?