Integrity – 1 July 2009

Naomi felt that the time had come when Ruth should find herself a new husband and sell her first husband’s land.  And so she told Ruth to prepare herself for Boaz and go and lie with him. (Ruth 3:1-4 if you want to read it)

Boaz was surprised, but very gladly offered to marry her.  However, according to the laws, Ruth first had to be offered to a closer relative, and so Boaz called the chief men of the village together and asked them to witness this meeting with the relative. .

“Naomi… is selling our brother Elimelech's property… I felt I should tell you so you can buy it if you wish…. Your purchase of the land requires you to marry Ruth so that she can have children to carry on her husbands name and to inherit the land.”

Ruth 4: 3-5

The relative decided he did not want to buy the land or to marry Ruth and so Boaz was free to buy her land and to marry her.  In time they had a son whom they called Obed.

Boaz acted with integrity in ensuring that the rules regarding land and marriage were observed, and that he had witnesses to prove he had acted correctly.

Ruth showed high moral character by being loyal to Naomi, by her clean break from her former land and customs, and by her hard work in the field. Boaz showed integrity in his moral standards, his honesty and by following through on his commitments.

When we have experienced God’s faithfulness and kindness we should respond by living a godly life.  Just as Ruth and Boaz’s values contrasted with those of the culture around them, so our lives should also stand out from the world around us.

Think today about somebody whom you know has integrity. What can you do to become more like then, and to maintain your integrity?