
Date: May 11th, 2025
Sermon: A Proverbs 31 Woman
Sermon Series: Ruth
Text: Ruth Ch.2
Proverbs 31:25–31 NLT
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”
Not Afraid of
Ruth 2:1–3 NLT
“Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.”
Leviticus 19:9–10 NLT
“When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. It is the same with your grape crop—do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.”
Will Not Avoid
Ruth 2:4–7 NLT
“While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”
Kind in
and
Ruth 2:8–14 NLT
“Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.” At mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over.”
to Those in Need
Ruth 2:15–18 NLT
“When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!” So Ruth gathered barley there all day, and when she beat out the grain that evening, it filled an entire basket. She carried it back into town and showed it to her mother-in-law. Ruth also gave her the roasted grain that was left over from her meal.”
by God and Others
Ruth 2:19–23 NLT
“Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!” So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.” “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” Then Ruth said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.” “Good!” Naomi exclaimed. “Do as he said, my daughter. Stay with his young women right through the whole harvest. You might be harassed in other fields, but you’ll be safe with him.” So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her Mother-In-Law”
Key Responsibilities of a Kinsman-Redeemer:
- Redeem Land
If a family member was forced to sell land, the redeemer could buy it back to keep it in the family. See: Leviticus 25:25–28 Redeem a Relative Sold into Slavery
A redeemer could buy back a family member who had sold themselves into servitude. See: Leviticus 25:47–49Carry on the Family Name through Marriage
If a man died without a son, the redeemer (often a brother or close male relative) could marry the widow and raise children in the deceased man’s name (levirate marriage). See: Deuteronomy 25:5–10Avenge Wrongdoing
In some cases, the go’el acted as the avenger of blood, pursuing justice for a murdered relative. See: Numbers 35:19
Challenge to the Church
1) Am I willing to serve faithfully, even when no one’s watching?
2) Am I building a life that’s more about character than image?
3) Like Boaz, am I open to being used by God to protect and bless others?
God doesn’t need perfect people—He uses faithful ones. And like Ruth and the woman in Proverbs 31, your faithfulness may impact generations.
Life Group Questions
Get to Know You:
Who is a woman—either in your life or in history—that has inspired you with her strength, kindness, or faith? What stood out about her?
*Read Ruth CH. 2 (prior to life group): When you read through the scripture take note of anything interesting, unique, or questions that come to mind when reading.
1) Proverbs 31:25–27 and Ruth 2:1–7. How do Ruth’s actions reflect the strength, dignity, and work ethic described in Proverbs 31? What does this teach us about character when facing hardship or uncertainty?
2) Ruth 2:8–18. In what ways did Ruth show kindness and humility, and how did Boaz respond with generosity? How does this mutual kindness reflect God’s heart—and how can it influence our relationships today?
3) Ruth wasn’t praised for charm or beauty, but for her faithfulness, kindness, and work ethic. Whether single or married, male or female, what’s one specific way you can grow in godly character this week—in your home, work, or relationships?