Ruth 3:1-11
1 One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home [a] for you, where you will be well provided for? 2 Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.
7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet.
9 “Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.”
10 “The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 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
Related Text:
Genesis 38:8-10
Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Hebrews 13:4
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Friends – Not Just a TV Show
As you can tell by reading, Ruth was a true and loyal friend. From the beginning of where we meet her in the scripture, she was unselfish and deeply committed to Naomi. She loved Naomi and enjoyed her company, and their relationship serves as a great example of friendship centered around God.
As you read about Ruth and Naomi, you might think about your own relationships and the commitments you and your friends make to one another. Is there any depth beyond the fun you have together? Do you rejoice together in the times of rejoicing and mourn together in the times of mourning? Would a degree of pain devastate your relationship, or are you a good friend only in the good times? Take a inventory of your friendships and see what might be missing from your relationships, and what steps can you take to become a better friend.
