Sermon Tone Analysis

Someone Read:

The book of Ruth present both Ruth and Boaz as people worthy of pursuit.

Someone Read:

Someone Read:

So, the writer of Ruth makes it abundantly clear that both Ruth and Boaz are top tier.

Top shelf.

Cream of the crop.

But, what is it that makes them this?

Anyone remember from chapter 1 some of the things that Ruth did that showed us she had character?

Remained with Naomi regardless of mistreatment.

Honored her vows to her husband’s family, even after his death.

Disavowed the pagan gods of Moab to follow the true God of Israel.

Worked hard to provide for her and her mother-in-law.

Obeyed her mother-in-law’s advice on how to pursue Boaz.

Anyone remember from chapter 2 some of the things that Boaz did that showed us he had character?

Protected Ruth.

Provided for Ruth.

Provided more to Ruth to bless Naomi.

Threatened young men who might abuse Ruth.

Boaz Models For Us...

Humility

Integrity

Discretion

Generosity

Here are a few more things we see that Boaz models for us:

#1, Boaz models…

#1: Humility

Boaz understands that Ruth’s pursuit of him is something he may not deserve.

Or something that is abnormal.

What if he said...

“Girl, you just made the best decision of your life!”

“You sure do have good taste in men!”

What would have been your response if someone said that to you?

Boaz shows that Ruth has honored him and humbled him by her interest in him.

Boaz models humility...

Second, Boaz models...

#2: Integrity

First way Boaz shows integrity is in something that he did not do...

Boaz did not take advantage of the Ruth...

Boaz could have taken advantage of Ruth by...

Sleeping with her

Not telling her the truth

The second way he showed integrity is seen in what he did do.

Boaz determined to do the right thing regardless of what it might cost him...

By being honest with Ruth and being determined to follow God’s law in the matter Boaz was putting his chance of having an awesome wife on the line!

Boaz is determining to seek Ruth’s welfare above his own!

Boaz models integrity

Third, Boaz models...

#3: Discretion

Discretion

Knowing how to act in a particular situation

Ruth 3:13b (ESV)

Boaz says, ...Lie down until the morning.”

Ruth 3:14a (ESV)

14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another.

Boaz didn’t allow Ruth to leave that night when she woke him up because if she had been seen out so late at night coming from his threshing floor then someone would have likely assumed the worst about the situation and Ruth’s reputation would have been ruined.

This type of discretion is applauded throughout the book of proverbs.

It’s something that comes from wisdom.

The absence of discretion is frowned upon...

Boaz shows he has discretion.

He shows his wisdom.

Ruth 3:14b (ESV)

...And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”

In the morning, he told his servants not to tell others because of the same reality.

Boaz desired to put Ruth’s welfare above his own and knew exactly what was necessary to ensure that she would be protected.

Boaz is concerned for propriety and for his and Ruth’s good reputation.

Propriety: Acceptable behavior and cultural norms.

I know of a lot of men, who when put in this situation, would likely have made it so that other people would have known Ruth was there, just so they could brag or make something appear a way it wasn’t.

Worthy men don’t need to make up stuff about women to make others like them.

They don’t need to get the approval of others by their own sinful standards.

Worthy men know how to act righteously in any given situation!

If you want the wisdom to practice discretion like this, I recommend reading the book of Proverbs.

Boaz modeled discretion.

Fourth, Boaz modeled...

#4: Generosity

Six Measures:

nearly three times what she gleaned her first day

Boaz’s generosity to Ruth was something that cost him a lot.

Boaz not only calmed Ruth’s fears and gave her assurance for the future, but he also met her present needs in a gracious and generous way

Did Ruth ask for this?

Boaz gives generously out of love to Ruth and Naomi before they can even ask him to.

Who else does this?

Most people don’t understand this kind of loving generosity.

In fact, as a Christian, it takes much much work from God’s Spirit to produce this in someone.

Some guys do just the bare minimum in their gift giving to ladies their interested in.

I’ve learned how not to give gifts.

First year anniversary: Avocado peeler

Boaz isn’t just stingy.

He is also being thoughtful.

He knows this generous gift will also send a message to Naomi about his intentions.

Boaz intends to provide for both of them.

Boaz’s character has been so proven by his actions that even Naomi can make a confident assertion about his future actions.

If this man will go to such extremes to be honorable and worthy you can count on the fact that he will complete his mission for your good.

Someone like Boaz is worth pursuing because...

Boaz had...

Humility in his reception of Ruth’s kindness.

Integrity in his dealings with Ruth late at night.

Discretion in how to protect Ruth’s reputation.

Generosity in his final interactions with Ruth that morning.

While this is a great testimony as to what each of you should look for regarding a person worth pursuing...