What does Ruth 3:4 teach about seeking God's will through wise counsel? Setting the Scene • The book of Ruth opens during the time of the judges—a spiritually unstable era (Judges 21:25). • Amid national chaos, God’s quiet providence is on display in the everyday lives of Naomi and Ruth. • By chapter 3, Ruth has shown covenant loyalty to Naomi (1:16-17) and faithfulness in gleaning (2:2-3). • Naomi now offers specific counsel so Ruth may enter the protective care of a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. Ruth 3:4 “When he lies down, note the place where he lies; then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will explain to you what you should do.” What This Verse Shows About Wise Counsel 1. Clear guidance, not vague notions • Naomi gives Ruth an actionable plan—observe, approach, uncover, await instruction. • Effective counsel translates God-honoring desires into practical steps (Proverbs 15:22). 2. Rooted in covenant principles, not personal gain • Naomi’s advice springs from the law of the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10). • Wise counsel aligns with God’s revealed Word, never contradicts it (Psalm 19:7-11). 3. Respect for existing authority and order • Ruth acts at night to preserve Boaz’s public integrity and her own. • Sound counsel weighs reputations and avoids needless offense (Romans 12:17-18). 4. Encourages humble initiative • Ruth must act; Naomi cannot do it for her. • Counsel that truly seeks God’s will prompts personal obedience, not passive waiting (James 1:22). 5. Leaves room for God’s unfolding direction • “He will explain to you what you should do.” Naomi expects God to guide Boaz in the moment. • Good counsel acknowledges human limits and trusts God with the outcome (Proverbs 3:5-6). Principles for Seeking God’s Will Through Counsel • Choose counselors who fear the Lord and know His Word (Psalm 1:1-2). • Look for advice that is specific yet scriptural, practical yet principled. • Act in humility, maintaining moral purity and respect for social order (1 Peter 5:5-6). • Step forward in faith, confident that God directs the obedient heart (Psalm 37:23). • Remain flexible; initial guidance often becomes clearer in the doing (Philippians 3:15-16). Takeaway Ruth 3:4 models how wise, biblically grounded counsel helps God’s people discern His will: it is clear, covenant-focused, respectful, faith-inspiring, and open-handed about the future. Those who seek such counsel—and act on it—experience God’s providential leading just as Ruth did. |
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