The Virtue of Fearlessness
"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
In Ruth 3:11, we encounter a profound moment in the life of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses loyalty over despair, gleaning hope from the remnants of her intimate losses. The verse states, "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." These words, spoken by Boaz, serve as a bridge connecting faith, reputation, and divine reward, offering us a rich tapestry of insight into God’s providence through human agency.
To grasp the depth of this verse, we must reflect on the context of Ruth's journey. After losing her husband, Ruth chose to cling to her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). This act of loyalty speaks volumes, demonstrating a commitment that defied cultural boundaries. In a time when she could have returned to her life in Moab, Ruth chose to enter a foreign world filled with uncertainty.
Now, as she approaches Boaz—her kinsman redeemer—on the threshing floor under the cover of night, she embodies courage borne out of conviction. In her request for protection and provision, she does not look like a mere beggar seeking scraps; rather, she stands as a woman of virtue—one whose character precedes her. When Boaz acknowledges her as a virtuous woman, he encapsulates the essence of her reputation and the gravity of her character in the sight of the community.
When we reflect on the qualities of a virtuous woman, we can draw parallels to Proverbs 31, which speaks of a woman whose worth is far above rubies. In both Ruth's and Boaz's acknowledgment of her worth, we see a divine affirmation of her character — one marked by loyalty, hard work, and faithfulness.
Boaz's command to "fear not" serves as both reassurance and affirmation. In the biblical narrative, fear often signifies a barrier that can cloud our perception of possibilities. However, God dispels our fears, calling us into deeper trust. In urging Ruth not to fear, Boaz is not just alleviating her worries about her future but is also initiating a partnership of faith. He assures her of his commitment, promising to act on her behalf, driven not just by attraction, but also by a sharp awareness of her integrity and virtue.
How often do we allow fear to grip our hearts, overshadowing our sense of worth? When faced with uncertainty—be it in relationships, finances, or health—we might hesitate to step forward, doubting our position in God’s narrative. Conversely, Ruth’s example guides us to embrace fearlessness. Her assurance came from the understanding of her character being recognized within her community. Crises of faith often evoke fear, yet it is in these moments that God draws us closer, inviting us to tread the waters of uncertainty with confidence.
Furthermore, Boaz’s promise to do all that Ruth requires shines a light on God’s generous provision through the hearts and hands of those around us. It encourages us to bring our needs before God without hesitation. There is beauty in proclaiming our desires, grounded in the hope that God will provide through the channels at His disposal.
In conclusion, as we meditate on Ruth 3:11, let it remind us of the power of character, the joy of sincere relationships, and the freedom found in fearlessness. May we cultivate a virtue that shines brightly in our lives, fostering trust both in God and in the community He has placed around us, knowing that, like Ruth, we are seen, valued, and supported. Through Christ, may we move forward in faith, casting aside fear, embodying the virtues that bear witness to the world.
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Ruth 3:11 - "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."
"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
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "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 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 1:11 - "And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?"
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "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 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
Ruth 3:10 - "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."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore." - Ruth 2:11