SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

THE REWARD OF VIRTUE, DILIGENCE, AND OBEDIENCE

Author: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

MEMORISE: “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:11).

BIBLE READING: Ruth 3:1-18; 4:1-22 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION: THE STAR THAT DISPELS DARKNESS

The Book of Ruth, nestled between the chaotic narratives of Judges and the monarchy of Samuel, is a beautiful, intimate portrait of God’s redemptive plan unfolding through the faithfulness of ordinary people. It is a story of transition—from famine to feasting, from mourning to marriage, and from a desolate foreign nation to the glorious lineage of the Messiah.

At the heart of this story is Ruth, a young widow from the Gentile nation of Moab. Moabites were traditionally excluded from the assembly of Israel, yet Ruth shines as a star that dispels the darkness of tribal prejudice and human failure. Her life serves as a profound model for believers today, especially for those navigating the complexities of modern life and seeking God’s guidance for the future.

Ruth displayed three non-negotiable spiritual qualities: consecration, courage, and commitment to serve the Lord and His people at all costs (Ruth 1:16-17). She chose God’s people and God’s future over the comfort of her past, and she was patient until God changed her situation for good. Her reward—finding favour with Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer—was a direct consequence of her virtue, her patience, and her unwavering obedience to divine counsel.

The progression of her story from the field of gleaning (Chapter 2) to the threshing floor (Chapter 3) and finally to the city gate (Chapter 4) is a divine blueprint for how commitment and chaste living are rewarded by God. It is a powerful reminder that anyone who surrenders his life to God and serves Him faithfully will find favour with Him (Isaiah 51:1,2).

I. NAOMI’S INSTRUCTION: THE MENTORSHIP FOR REST (Ruth 3:1-7)

The story’s transition from survival to settlement is initiated by the loving concern of Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law and mentor. Naomi expresses her deep concern and care for Ruth: “Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” (Ruth 3:1).

In biblical terms, “rest” often refers to security, permanence, and spiritual well-being, which, in this context, was to be achieved through marriage and the establishment of a home. This deep love and care illustrate a profound spiritual principle: mentorship is vital in the journey of faith and life decisions.

A. The Mandate of Spiritual Care

The love between Naomi and Ruth was so deep that Naomi ceased to see Ruth as a mere daughter-in-law, but as her own daughter. This teaches us the depth of care and concern we must exhibit towards our converts and brethren. We are called to be spiritual parents and mentors, not just casual acquaintances.

Question 1: In what areas should we show concern and care to converts and new members?

Following the example of great leaders like Paul and the desire of Christ, we must care for every area of a convert’s life—their spiritual, social, moral, and academic pursuits. God is interested in the whole person. He has thoughts of peace, not of evil, to bring us to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Just as Boaz was a functional part of God’s redemptive plan, we must ensure our new members find their function and security in the family of God. We must show concern in areas such as:

Spiritual Growth: Ensuring they are rooted in the Word and maintaining their devotion.
Social Integration: Helping them find wholesome community within the Church body.
Moral Uprightness: Guiding them in purity and upright conduct.
Practical Needs: Assisting with job searches, housing, or educational pursuits, acknowledging that God is interested in our whole welfare.

B. The Instruction for Prudence and Purity

Naomi’s instructions to Ruth concerning the threshing floor were precise and culturally guided.

Question 2: What were the instructions Naomi gave Ruth?

Naomi instructed Ruth: “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking” (Ruth 3:3).

This instruction taught Ruth:

Be Presentable (Diligence): “Wash thyself, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee.” This teaches us that purity is not synonymous with slovenliness. It is not a mark of spirituality to be dirty or dress shabbily. God demands excellence, which includes being well-groomed, neat, and presentable at all times (Ecclesiastes 9:8).

Be Obedient and Patient (Discipline): She was to mark where Boaz slept, and wait patiently until he finished his work. This required restraint and submission to the process.

Adhere to Established Customs (Legality): The process Naomi outlined was rooted in the Jewish law of the kinsman-redeemer (levirate marriage—Deuteronomy 25:5-10). It was a legal, ceremonial request, not an immoral proposition. The risk was managed by Boaz’s known virtue and the public setting of the threshing floor.

The Warning for Today:

While Ruth’s action followed an ancient Jewish custom for claiming a legal right, it is not a standard for New Testament believers seeking a life partner. We must be extremely careful not to import unscriptural customs, carnal methods, or manipulative practices into Christian courtship. God frowns at any carnal methods used in selecting a life partner or involvement in immoral practices before the necessary steps and processes approved by the church are completed. Ruth’s core virtue was her willing obedience (Ruth 3:5: “All that thou sayest unto me I will do”), and her patience (Isaiah 28:16: “…he that believeth shall not make haste”). We must emulate her obedience to our spiritual parents and mentors, and, above all, to the Holy Spirit and the Word.

II. BOAZ’S VIRTUE: THE REWARD OF CHASTITY AND HONOUR (Ruth 3:8-18)

The encounter between Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor is the pivot of the entire narrative. It is a stunning display of mutual virtue, discipline, and reverence for God’s law.

A. The Virtuous Woman’s Request

When Boaz, waking suddenly, enquired who she was, Ruth presented herself and made her legal request: “I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman” (Ruth 3:9). The request to spread his skirt (or garment/wing) over her was a culturally recognized symbol of protection, covering, and the formal declaration of the right to redeem and marry her.

Boaz’s response revealed his profound character and deep faith: “And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:10-11).

Boaz’s commendation confirms two critical elements of Ruth’s virtue:

Kindness and Loyalty: She showed kindness to the dead (her late husband) and to the living (Naomi), choosing loyalty over personal gain.
Chastity and Discipline: She did not follow after “young men, whether poor or rich.” She focused her desire and her future on the legal kinsman-redeemer, demonstrating purity of motive and sexual discipline.

B. The Lessons of Mutual Virtue

Question 3: What lessons can be learnt from Ruth and Boaz’s virtuous attitude?

The key lessons from this encounter challenge modern Christian youths immensely:

Boaz’s Fear of God: Boaz was a man that feared God (Proverbs 16:6). Despite the opportunity—being alone with a virtuous, beautiful woman under the cover of night—he committed no evil. He acted with maturity, submission to God’s will, and a deep respect for the Law. He did not use any carnal means to lure her to himself.

The Value of the Virtuous Woman: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Ruth’s reputation was known throughout the city. Christian girls should take note: your reputation for virtue is your most valuable asset. Do not flaut yourself around or seek attention through worldly means. Wait on God for the right person.

The Priority of Order: Boaz was willing to submit to the legal protocol. He would not act until the closer kinsman had the chance to exercise his redemptive right (Ruth 3:13). He chose order and obedience over impatience and cunning. Christian youths should emulate Boaz’s decision to do things orderly rather than outsmarting others or rushing the process.

Discipline in Relationship: Throughout the night, there was no evil act between Boaz and Ruth. The two partners-to-be were disciplined in their relationship. This is a severe indictment on the impatience that has destroyed many young people today who are in a hurry to enjoy what is reserved for the married. Impatience and premarital involvement cause untold hardship and hinder God’s perfect plan. The Scripture remains true: “…he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

Boaz sent Ruth away with six measures of barley, a practical sign of his provision and commitment. Ruth returned to Naomi and patiently sat still, trusting that Boaz, a man of integrity, “will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day” (Ruth 3:18).

III. BOAZ MARRIES RUTH: THE CLIMAX OF WISDOM AND REDEMPTION (Ruth 4:1-22)

Chapter four is the glorious climax where the redemptive plan of God, hidden within the lives of these faithful individuals, is legally sealed and prophetically fulfilled.

A. Wisdom and Order at the Gate

“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by…” (Ruth 4:1).

Boaz was a wise man. He conducted all things properly, in order, and publicly. The city gate was the seat of justice, where legal matters and public transactions were conducted. Boaz tactically called the nearer kinsman and ten elders to serve as witnesses. He did not conceal the legal obligation but presented it clearly.

Question 4: Why is wisdom necessary in life and how can we get it?

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Wisdom is necessary in life because it gives direction, strength, and helps us use resources properly. Boaz’s wisdom ensured the marriage was legally sound, protecting Ruth’s dignity and the integrity of the messianic lineage.

How can we get this wisdom? “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). God is the source of wisdom. He gave wisdom to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and they excelled (Daniel 1:17). We must prioritize asking God for wisdom to manage our lives, our resources, and especially our relational decisions.

B. The Redemptive Right and the Transfer of the Shoe

Boaz first presented the kinsmanwith the option to redeem Elimelech’s land, which the kinsman accepted. However, when Boaz added the condition—to marry Ruth to perpetuate the line of the deceased—the kinsman rejected the offer, fearing he would mar his own inheritance (Ruth 4:5-6).

According to the custom in Israel, when a person declined to accept his redemptive right, he removed his shoe and gave it to the person who was ready to accept it (Ruth 4:7-8). This was a public testimony in Israel, signifying the transfer of rights.

The Law of the New Testament: It is crucial to note that the practice of marrying one’s late brother’s wife (levirate law) is not allowed in the New Testament. After the death of a person’s spouse, he or she is then free to marry anyone he or she wants but “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). The entire book of Ruth points to the need for a Redeemer, but the laws concerning marriage have been superseded by the New Covenant.

When the kinsman refused, Boaz immediately and publicly declared: “Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance…” (Ruth 4:9-10).

The elders and the people gave their consent, confirming the legality and praying three profound blessings upon the couple:

Fruitfulness: To be fruitful like Rachel and Leah.
Prosperity: To be rich in Ephratah (no poverty).
Fame: To be famous in Bethlehem, and to be like the house of Pharez (the lineage of Judah).

IV. THE REWARD: LINEAGE, RESTORATION, AND THE CHRIST CONNECTION (Ruth 4:13-22)

The ultimate reward for Ruth’s consecration and Boaz’s faithfulness was not just a happy marriage, but integration into God’s eternal, redemptive purpose.

Question 5: What was the reward God gave Boaz and his wife?

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son” (Ruth 4:13).

The Lord blessed this couple with a son, Obed.

The reward was multi-layered:

A Son (Legacy): Obed became the restorer of the line, providing a name and an heir.
Restoration for Naomi (Provision): The grandson was a restorer of her life and nourished her in her old age. Naomi, who had left Bethlehem empty, was now full, holding a grandson in her lap, proving that God restores what the enemy has stolen.
The Royal Lineage (Destiny): The lineage traced from Obed: Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David, through whom Jesus Christ came. Ruth, the Moabitess, became one of the four women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi, and her patience and chaste conduct, were challenging choices. However, her commitment to the Lord was not unrewarded.

A. Application for the Youth Today

The examples of Ruth and Boaz, along with other rewarded youths like Joseph, Esther, Samuel, David, and Daniel, serve as a mirror for us:

Decide for the Lord: Your decision for Christ today will be rewarded here and in eternity.

Excellence and Integrity: Your effort to study hard to pass your examinations without cheating will be crowned with good grades tomorrow. Do not be lazy in whatever good things you are doing now (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Integrity in small things precedes greatness in large things.

Commitment is Priceless: Our commitment to the Lord cannot go unrewarded. Do not mind negative comments or peer pressure against your decision to follow Christ and walk in purity. Your fidelity to God will always pay the highest dividend.

CONCLUSION: THE HARVEST OF FAVOUR

Ruth’s story is the ultimate proof that God honours virtue, rewards diligence, and perfects obedience. She was a Gentile outsider, yet her character made her more valuable than all the young men, whether poor or rich, in Bethlehem.

The favour Ruth found with Boaz was a direct harvest of the seeds she had sown: her consecration to God, her loyalty to Naomi, her patience, and her well-known virtue.

May your choices today—in your studies, your career, your relationships, and your walk with God—be guided by the wisdom and virtue of Boaz and Ruth. Let your city, your church, and your family know that you are a virtuous man or woman whose price is far above rubies. Decide for the Lord today, submit to the guidance of the Word and your spiritual mentors, and watch as God perfects His plan to grant you rest, prosperity, and a glorious destiny.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank You for the exemplary life of Ruth and the faithfulness of Boaz. I pray for the strength and grace to maintain virtue, chastity, and obedience in all my life’s decisions. Grant me the wisdom to follow Your established order and to prioritize my spiritual inheritance over any carnal gratification. Let my reputation be known for purity and commitment, so that the favour You desire to bestow upon me will manifest, and my life may be integrated into Your eternal, redemptive plan, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Proverbs 31:10-31: The description of a virtuous woman.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10: The law of the kinsman-redeemer.
1 Corinthians 7:39: The New Testament instruction on remarriage.
Philippians 2:19-24: Paul’s example of true spiritual care and mentorship.

DAILY BIBLE READING PLAN

1 Year Plan: James 4:13-5:1-20 & Ezekiel 24-26
2 Year Plan: John 13:21-38 & 1 Chronicles 21