Introduction

My mother was the wisest woman who I knew, instead of telling me “no, you can’t go barefoot:” she would tell me, “when you catch a butterfly you can go barefoot.” Of course, when I caught that butterfly, it was warm enough to go barefoot. She guided and directed me through my life, teaching me to love God first. We love God because He first loved us. God was my mother’s strength, she prayed and read her bible daily. I have one of her prayer lists and I am listed but my husband’s name was first. She desired for me a happy marriage. My mom went to be with Jesus when I was twenty-five-years-old. Today in the Love God Greatly blog we see Angie giving credit to Naomi. However, she says that Ruth was a Proverbs 31 woman.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:31, KJV).

Reading and Assignment

Ruth 3: 10-11, Proverbs 31:31

SOAP Ruth 3:11  Tomorrow’s reading Ruth 3: 12-13

Scripture

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3: 11, KJV).

Application

What does it mean to be a virtuous woman? Are you a virtuous woman? In your workplace are you known for your integrity? Do your children enjoy being with you? Are you afraid to be the woman God has asked you to be? Do you trust God for the answers to the hard questions that need an answer?

A virtuous woman’s definition is as having or showing high moral standards. What are your moral standards?

Prayer

Father God, when Ruth changed from mourning to gladness she moved on with her life, she listened to Godly advice and was not proud but demonstrated faith by doing what Naomi recommended and she worked hard. Thank You for Boaz not rejecting her, just as Jesus doesn’t reject anyone who is seeking Him. We can bring our doubts to You, we can trust you with that difficult child, or the husband who is critical or being single or being alone. You are a good God and just as Boaz meets Ruth and Naomi’s needs, You meet our needs. Lord, help us trust You with all our desires because You give us the desires of our hearts according to Psalm 37:4. Thank You for Your Word, Your Son, and most of all that we can be Proverbs 31 women. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusions

Ruth teaches us to love and trust God. Just as my mom gave me sound advice about butterflies and marriage, Naomi gave Ruth sound advice. She told her to change her clothes and to take a chance. Ruth faces her fears rewarded with a new life. I had to go on once my mom died but I had a fond remembrance of her laughing as we looked at Hallmark cards, or laughing when she tried to get on an elevator. Oh, how I wish I had shared a secret I have had to live with but perhaps that would have broken her heart. Instead, I pursue my relationship with God as she taught me to read the Bible and pray daily. Someday, God will take me home, and I hope to hear, “Well done, Proverbs 31 woman, you were a good and faithful servant.” I know my mom heard those words.

What area do you need to grow more Christlike?

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30: 11-12, KJV).