How does Ruth 3:10 connect with Proverbs 31:10-31 on virtuous women? Ruth 3:10 in Its Moment “Then Boaz said, ‘May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after younger men, whether rich or poor.’ ” Boaz praises Ruth’s “kindness” (Hebrew ḥesed)—a covenant-loyal love that puts others first. His blessing frames Ruth as a model of selfless devotion, setting the stage for the word he will use in 3:11: “a woman of noble character” (Hebrew ʾešet ḥayil). The Proverbs 31 Portrait “A wife of noble character (ʾešet ḥayil), who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10) From verse 10 through verse 31 the same Hebrew phrase—ʾešet ḥayil—describes a valiant, virtuous woman. Proverbs concludes, “Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.” (31:31). Shared Hebrew Thread: ʾešet ḥayil Ruth 3:11 and Proverbs 31:10 use the identical expression. ḥayil often means “valor,” “strength,” or “excellence.” It is used of soldiers (Judges 6:12) and wealth (Proverbs 8:21). The virtuous woman embodies spiritual valor. Kindness at the Core Both passages highlight ḥesed—steadfast kindness: 1. Ruth’s ḥesed toward Naomi and Boaz (Ruth 1:16-17; 3:10). 2. The Proverbs 31 woman “extends her hand to the poor” (31:20). Kindness is not sentiment; it is covenant faithfulness lived out in daily choices. Side-by-Side Traits Ruth lives out every major quality Proverbs 31 applauds: • Loyalty to family – Ruth clings to Naomi (Ruth 1:16); the virtuous wife “does him good, not harm” (Proverbs 31:12). • Industrious work – Gleans from dawn to dusk (Ruth 2:17). – “She rises while it is still night … her hands grasp the spindle” (Proverbs 31:15-19). • Wise stewardship – Seeks Boaz according to Naomi’s counsel (Ruth 3:5-6). – “She evaluates a field and buys it” (Proverbs 31:16). • Fear of the LORD – Entrusts her future to Yahweh (Ruth 1:17; 2:12). – “A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Fruit That Reaches the Gates • Boaz, a city leader, promises to act “at the gate” for Ruth’s redemption (Ruth 4:1). • The Proverbs 31 woman’s works “praise her at the gates” (31:31). God publicly honors private faithfulness. Wider Biblical Echoes • 1 Peter 3:4—“the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.” • Titus 2:3-5—older women train the younger “to love their husbands and children… so that the word of God will not be maligned.” Why the Link Matters Today • Ruth turns the abstract poem of Proverbs 31 into a flesh-and-blood narrative. • Valor, kindness, and fear of the LORD remain the hallmarks of true feminine strength. • God delights to spotlight such character—then and now—using ordinary obedience to weave extraordinary redemption. |
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