One thing that seems to be dominating news cycles of our time is the different ways people are taking advantage of each other. It’s as if we live in a predatory world. Right and wrong seems to be determined by the person with the most influence or power. Not personal character and integrity.

Burt Ross, former mayor of Fort Lee New Jersey, who spoke at the sentencing of Wall Street investor Bernie Madoff, said on Bill Bennett’s morning radio show that he heard Mr. Madoff at the funeral of a friend who had invested everything with him place his arm around his widow and say, “Don’t worry, everything will be alright.” Knowing all along she’s just days from being destitute.

What’s happened to personal character in our day? Why are personal attributes like love, kindness, compassion, loyalty, and fidelity not foundation stones of the moral standard anymore? Why does the morality test today begin with the question, “What’s in it for me?” as opposed to “What’s the right thing to do regardless of how I’m personally affected?”

As we continue in our study of Ruth—I believe we’ll see genuine character revealed in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz here in chapter 3. We’ll see personal character qualities displayed in their lives that were most likely just as counter-cultural in their day as they are in ours today.   

Naomi’s character is revealed by her concern for Ruth’s future. Ruth’s character is revealed by her unwavering loyalty to Naomi. Boaz’s character is revealed by his willingness to meet their need. Notice if you will how all of this unfolds.

1. Naomi’s plan.

Naomi’s plan for Ruth has to do with her future. In verse 1 Naomi says, “Should I not try to find a home for you…where you will be well provided for?” It sounds like Naomi is thinking long term…perhaps after she is gone. In order to accomplish this—Naomi develops a rather risky plan to entice Boaz to marry Ruth. (“Find a home” is often translated “rest” as it is in 1:9. Relating to marriage.)

Naomi has Ruth dress herself in such a way as to send a message to Boaz that she was no longer in morning…but available and needing to move on with life. (2 Sam. 12:20) Naomi has no way of knowing whether her plan will work or fail. Considering all the things that could go wrong…there’s a great chance it would. Yet—Ruth is willing to do whatever Naomi says (v5). Ruth has already demonstrated a tremendous loyalty to Naomi. Do you remember what Ruth said back in 1:15-18.

Loyalty is a character quality that is virtually missing from our culture today. Loyalty is a character quality of our God. Remember in Hebrews 13:5 He said, “I’ll never leave nor forsake you.” Can we say the same thing?

2. Ruth’s proposal.

The writer says, “So—Ruth went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do” (v6). She’s careful to follow Naomi’s plan. Ruth waits for Boaz to finishing eating and drinking and then retires for the night—notice (v7) he happens to be at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth quietly approaches Boaz and uncovers his feet and lays down. Everything is in place.

The narrator helps us see the unseen hand of God at work here in this story. Notice what happens—Boaz is removed from the others, somehow he wakes up…only to discover Ruth at his side with a proposal for him to be the human instrument of his own prayer back in 2:12. Ruth has done everything that Naomi has asked her to do. She’s a picture of obedience in this story. She still has no way of knowing what Boaz will do…but she’s willing to trust Naomi.

One of the things we’ve lost in our society today is the willingness to trust people. You might say—look around it’s the smart thing to do. But—a community or church that’s not willing to trust each other lives in fear and suspicion. Our hope and salvation is built upon trust that God will do what He says He’ll do. We must learn to trust God, trust others and demonstrate that we can be trusted.

3. Boaz’s participation.

The response of Boaz is both affirming and encouraging to Ruth. He affirms the fact that she’s a woman of great kindness/hesed and great character. A woman that’s free to marry anyone…but she chose him. He encourages Ruth by telling her “not to be afraid” he will redeem her. But—notice the integrity of Boaz. He knows that there is a closer kinsman-redeemer than he is. He’s going to what’s right regardless of how it affects him personally.

Boaz did the right thing by not taking advantage of Ruth in the middle of the night and when daylight comes he’s going to do the right thing again. That’s revealing character. Personal integrity is certainly another thing that has been lost in our day. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do is seen by many today as being weak.

I believe the Bible teaches us to be people of integrity. EX: David’s treatment of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-7. Are we people who seek to always do the right thing? Even if doing the right thing means we might have to do without or possibly suffer personal lose?

4. God’s provision.

The three main characters in this story have all been blessed by God’s unseen hand of provision. The field of Boaz once again has barley growing in it. Because the Lord had come to the aid of His people by providing food (1:6)…Ruth and Naomi are no longer hungry. Ruth ending up in Boaz’s field gives Naomi the opportunity to find her a husband who will provide for her long after she is gone.

The neat thing is this—as a result of God’s provision each person has demonstrated character that resembles the attributes of God Himself. Naomi demonstrated concern for Ruth that went beyond her legal obligation. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was far beyond what would have been expected from a foreign daughter-in-law. And Boaz, not the closest relative, went beyond his obligation as a kinsman to ensure that Naomi and Ruth’s needs were met.

So what can we take away from this chapter 3 this morning? One thing would be—when God’s people are revealing His character qualities as they interact with others…provision and blessing will be evident. This begs the question…what about us? If someone were to write a story about us as individuals or as a fellowship of believers—will they point to God’s provision and blessing? Will our names be connected to the parts where concern, loyalty, and a willingness to do the right thing regardless of the personal cost is mentioned? Actions really do reveal character.