Ruth: A Shining Star

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Philippians 2:14-15, NIV).

Throughout the book of Ruth, Ruth faces problems and obstacles. She lost her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law to death. Her mother-in-law discouraged her from staying with her and from following God. She immigrated to the land of Israel without resources and without much knowledge of the country's customs and laws. She had plenty of reasons to whine and pout, but she never gave in to the temptation.

She refused to leave the true God. She would not return to Chemosh, the false god who demanded child sacrifices in order to be pleased. She would not abandon her widowed mother-in-law, but was determined to do everything she could to care for her. She never resorted to anything immoral in order to survive in her new land. While she could have engaged in stealing or prostitution, instead she found a low-paying but honorable way to support herself and her mother-in-law by picking up leftover grain in the fields.

We do not know how attractive Ruth was physically, but we can see why Boaz was attracted to her in other ways. Her attitude, her faith, her sense of responsibility, her work ethic, and her sense of honor made her stand out as a shining star in a dark universe.

Some scholars believe that Proverbs 31:10-31 was written to honor Ruth. It is certainly an appropriate passage to describe this outstanding woman of the Bible.