Are You a Person of Integrity? (Ruth 3)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Would you consider yourself a person of integrity?

There’s a reason why integrity is one of the most common titles we slap on the side of a business. It’s a word we admire. But the true test of integrity isn’t how we act in public. It’s how we act in private.

Ruth 3 gives us a great example. It’s a fascinating story that seems strange to the modern eye. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, instructs her to approach Boaz, a relative, and ask him to fulfill his duty as a kinsman redeemer. Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions and goes to Boaz while he is sleeping, lying at his feet. Boaz expresses admiration for Ruth’s loyalty and assures her that he will do all he can to help her. He also promises to resolve the matter in the morning, ensuring Ruth’s security and honoring her integrity.

In verse 1, Naomi says to Ruth, “My daughter, shouldn’t I find rest for you, so that you will be taken care of?” This is fascinating imagery. To rest, in this case, is to marry. It comes from the Hebrew word mānôaḥ. As George Schwab observes,

Deuteronomy 12:9 calls the Promised Land the mānôaḥ of God, which Hebrews 4:1–11 connects with the Sabbath—and the gospel, “Now we who have believed enter that rest” (Heb 4:3). This rest is also a quality of redemption; the redeemed are those who have entered God’s rest. Naomi might as well have said to Ruth, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest” (Heb 4:11).^[1]

Laying this imagery aside, we turn to the heart of the story. Verse 7 says Ruth went in secretly, and Boaz is startled or afraid. While this act was no doubt sexually stimulating, as Mary Beth McGreevy notes, “Few reputable scholars believe the phrase ‘uncovered his feet and lay down’ (v. 7) indicates that a sexual sin was committed or that anything more was intended than a sign of service and devotion.”^[2]

After Boaz wakes up and says, “Who are you?” in verse 8, Ruth responds, “‘I am Ruth, your servant… Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.’” This refers to Ruth 2:12, where Boaz said to Ruth, “May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

“Boaz is Yahweh’s wing, God’s means of providing Ruth with rest (and Naomi with a son).”^[3] It’s obvious Boaz makes this immediate connection and says, ¹⁰ “May the Lord bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor. ¹¹ Now don’t be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you say, since all the people in my town know that you are a woman of noble character.”

It’s important to note the power Boaz had. He could have mocked Ruth, branded her as an adulteress or prostitute, and made her a laughingstock among the people. He could have slept with her and then kicked her to the curb. In an Israelite patriarchal society, Boaz held all the cards and could destroy her life in an instant. Instead, because of his commitment to Yahweh, he acts honorably, which says something about how we should live today.

There will be certain points in our lives where we can sin, and no one will find out. We can undercut someone in a backroom business deal. We can have an affair on our spouse. Or we can abuse our position of power to destroy someone’s career. In these moments, would you consider yourself a person of integrity?

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | I just want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for always being there for me, like Boaz was there for Ruth. Your love and faithfulness never cease to amaze me, and I'm so grateful for your presence in my life.

Release | Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by worries and fears. But just like Ruth trusted Boaz, I want to trust you with all my concerns. I'm letting go of those burdens now and putting my trust in you.