Connect Ruth 2:16 with Proverbs 19:17 on generosity and God's blessings. Setting the Scene • Naomi and Ruth have returned to Bethlehem destitute. • God’s law made provision for the poor through gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19). • Ruth finds herself in the field of Boaz, a relative-redeemer who takes God’s Word seriously. Generosity in Ruth 2:16 “Rather, pull out for her some stalks from the bundles and leave them for her to gather. Do not reprimand her.” Boaz’s actions reveal: • Intentional kindness—he orders his men to “pull out” grain, not merely allow accidental droppings. • Protection—“Do not reprimand her” shields Ruth from shame. • Costly compassion—Boaz absorbs the loss of prime sheaves to honor God’s heart for the needy. The Principle in Proverbs 19:17 “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” Key truths: • Giving to the poor is treated as a personal loan to God Himself. • God guarantees repayment with interest, though in His timing and manner. • The verse equates generosity with faith in God’s promise to reward. How the Two Passages Interlock • Boaz becomes the living illustration of Proverbs 19:17. • By leaving extra grain, he “lends” to the Lord; God later “repays” by: – Blessing his harvest (Ruth 2:1, abundant fields). – Granting him Ruth as wife, leading to Obed, Jesse, and King David (Ruth 4:13-22). – Securing Boaz a place in the Messianic line culminating in Jesus (Matthew 1:5-16). • Ruth herself, once poor, becomes an instrument of God’s richest blessing to the world. Blessings That Flow From Generous Hearts Scripture consistently echoes this pattern: • “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) • “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) • “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Visible rewards may include: – Adequate provision and overflow for further giving. – Honor and good reputation (Proverbs 22:1). – Participation in God’s redemptive story, impacting generations. Walking It Out Today • View every act of kindness as an investment with God Himself. • Give intentionally and generously, not merely out of leftovers. • Trust the Lord to decide how and when He repays; His ledger never misses a single seed sown. |
    |