Context No. 2722 of 4322 · Ruth

Ruth 3:10-18: in context

10He said, “You are blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, because you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich. 11Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman. 12Now it is true that I am a near kinsman. However, there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13Stay this night, and in the morning, if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, good. Let him do the kinsman’s duty. But if he will not do the duty of a kinsman for you, then I will do the duty of a kinsman for you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until the morning.” 14She lay at his feet until the morning, then she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; then he went into the city. 16When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done for her. 17She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’” 18Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know what will happen; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today.”

Ruth has come to Boaz at the threshing floor and asked him, in the custom of the time, to be her redeemer. Boaz answers not with alarm but with blessing: you are a worthy woman, and this kindness is greater than the first, because you did not chase after younger men. Do not be afraid; I will do all you ask.

But he tells her the whole truth. There is a kinsman nearer than I, with first right, and I will not step over him. He promises to settle it the very next day, and sends Ruth home with six measures of barley so she does not arrive empty-handed. Watch the trustworthiness here: Boaz guards her reputation, deals honestly about the nearer claim rather than grabbing what he wants, and refuses to delay. Naomi's confidence rests entirely on his character. The man, she says, will not rest until he has settled this today.

Am I the kind of person whose word others can rest on, sure that I will not leave a thing half-done?

Sources

Ruth 3:18: "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest until he has settled this today."
Proverbs 31:10: "Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies."
Matthew 5:37: "But let your Yes be Yes and your No, No. Whatever is more than these is of the evil one."