How does Ruth 2:15 connect to the theme of kindness in Proverbs 19:17? Ruth 2:15 — Boaz’s Tangible Kindness “When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, ‘Let her gather even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.’” • Gleaning law (Leviticus 19:9-10) allowed the poor to pick grain only from the edges; Boaz invites Ruth right into the stacked sheaves—generosity beyond the minimum. • He shields her dignity: “do not reproach her.” Protection is part of kindness. • Ruth, a foreign Moabite and a widow, fits every category of “the poor” Scripture highlights (Deuteronomy 10:18; 24:19-22). Proverbs 19:17 — The Principle of Lending to the LORD “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • God identifies with the needy; kindness toward them is treated as a personal debt He guarantees to repay. • The verse links mercy to a sure promise of divine reward (cf. Luke 6:38). • It motivates generosity by assuring that nothing given in compassion is ever lost. How Ruth 2:15 Embodies Proverbs 19:17 • Visible Illustration – Boaz’s grain = the “loan.” – Ruth, the destitute gleaner, = the poor recipient. – God’s later blessings on Boaz (Ruth 4:13-22) = the LORD’s repayment. • Immediate Blessing – Harvest abundance continues despite the extra grain given away, echoing Proverbs 11:24-25. • Long-Term Reward – Boaz gains a godly wife, an honored legacy, and becomes ancestor to David and ultimately to Christ (Matthew 1:5-6, 16). – The “repayment” far exceeds the initial kindness, proving the proverb true in real history. Key Parallels • Compassion moves first (Boaz’s instruction) → Divine favor follows (genealogy, blessing). • Protection of dignity (no reproach) → God’s protective pledge (He “will repay”). • Going beyond legal duty → Experiencing grace beyond expectation (Ephesians 3:20). Takeaways for Today • Treat every act of mercy as an investment with God Himself. • Exceed minimum obligations; generous kindness showcases God’s heart. • Expect God’s repayment in His timing and form—spiritual, relational, even material (Philippians 4:19). • Protect the dignity of the needy; kindness is more than gifts, it’s honoring image-bearers (James 2:15-16). Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 24:19 — “Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.” • Psalm 41:1 — “Blessed is he who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him.” • Matthew 25:40 — “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • Galatians 6:9-10 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good… let us do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.” |
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