Ruth-- A Virtuous Woman

Today I am sharing characteristics of another virtuous woman-- Ruth.  If you would like to read part 1 about Abigail, go here. Once again, to get the most out of it, go read the book of Ruth first... it's a short 4 chapters (:

Ruth was kind

Naomi praises both Ruth and her sister-in-law, Orpah, for treating her and her family with kindness. As we know, kindness is one of the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5. Naomi and her family were strangers in Ruth's homeland of Moab, yet they were treated with kindness by Ruth. 

Ruth was devoted 

To God, and to her mother-in-law, Naomi. In the beautiful and famous words, Ruth says to Naomi: "Where you go I will, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth was leaving behind everything... her land, her family, the gods of Moab. She knew that both she and Naomi would be poor in Israel because they had no husbands to support them. However, she knew something far more wonderful was ahead. She knew that her old life held nothing for her. 

Ruth was a hard worker

She wastes no time once she and Naomi arrive in Israel. Under the law of Moses, they were allowed to go through the fields and pick up grain that had been missed. She goes to the field of their relative, Boaz, and begins to gather grain. Boaz and his workers are impressed by her and comment on how she gathered steadily all day. She knows that she has to care for Naomi and she does not shy away from the task. This care and hard work attracts the affection of Boaz, who was himself a spiritual man.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. -Proverbs 31:11-12

Ruth was obedient

I can't say that I really understand the process Naomi tells Ruth to go through, but whatever the reasons, Ruth obeys. She could have said that she wanted to make her own decisions about who she would marry, but she doesn't. She realizes the wisdom of Naomi and follows her advice. Boaz appears to have been an older man, but she doesn't care about that. What she does care about is Boaz's heart for God. 

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. -Proverbs 31:30

One last thing to note is that Ruth was in the line of David, and therefore of Christ. I know this isn't a characteristic, but still amazing that God chose a woman from Moab to be in the line of His Son. She must have been a very special woman indeed. 

What virtuous woman do you aspire to be like?