Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before one person could recognize another; for he said, ‘It must not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, June 19, 2026
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Boaz is aware that Ruth’s bold action might not be seen in a positive light. So while he is not put off by the previous evening’s events, and knows that Ruth kept herself pure by remaining at his feet, rather than climbing into his arms, he is savvy enough to know that tongues will wag if anyone sees her leaving the threshing floor, and that wagging tongues have the power to destroy even the purest and most righteous actions. Double standards being what they were (and still are), any tarnish on her reputation, even unfounded, would rub off onto him unless he rejected her which, clearly, he had no desire to do. And while this motivation to keep his own reputation intact might have been in play, the way I read this story is that it is out of nothing but compassion for Ruth that Boaz wakes before dawn and sends her off before anyone can see her and jump to conclusion. As an established land-owner (and a man) he could afford a little reputation-smirching. Ruth could not. So once again Boaz impresses me as far more than some sugar daddy for Ruth—he is a man of integrity, generosity, and compassion. In short, he is worthy of Ruth’s love.
How might I be called to put someone else’s flourishing ahead of my wants?
