Ruth: A Biblical Woman of Kindness, Courage, and Faith
Some stories in Scripture never lose their depth, no matter how many times we read them. The story of Ruth is one of those. Found in the short but powerful Book of Ruth, her life shows how God works through quiet faithfulness, steady courage, and ordinary obedience.
Ruth did not begin her journey with clarity about the future. She did not know how her story would unfold. What she did know was where she stood, who she loved, and the God she chose to follow. Her example continues to speak to those of us walking uncertain paths while trying to remain faithful in the everyday.
This post takes a deeper look at Ruth’s character, her relationship with Naomi, and the lasting lessons her life offers for those seeking to live with godly character today.
Ruth’s Journey with Naomi
Leaving Home for Love and Loyalty
Ruth’s story begins with loss. She had lost her husband and was facing a future filled with uncertainty. She was a Moabite, not born into the covenant people of Israel. Moab had a complicated history with Israel, and culturally, it was very different from Naomi’s homeland of Bethlehem.
Leaving Moab meant leaving familiarity, family ties, and any sense of security. Ruth chose instead to stay with Naomi, her widowed mother in law, and journey into a land where she would be a stranger.
In a world where relationships are often weighed by convenience, Ruth’s decision stands out. She chose loyalty and love over comfort.
“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
Ruth 1:16
This was more than a promise to Naomi. It was a declaration of faith. Ruth committed herself not only to a person, but to the God of Israel, a God she had not grown up worshiping.
Courage Shown Through Everyday Faithfulness
Ruth’s courage did not appear in dramatic moments. It showed up in practical decisions. Once in Bethlehem, she asked Naomi for permission to glean in the fields so they would have food to eat.
Gleaning was physically demanding work. It required long hours, humility, and vulnerability, especially for a foreign woman without male protection. Yet Ruth stepped forward, trusting God to provide through her willingness to work.
There is something deeply relatable about that kind of courage. It is not loud or showy. It is the courage to do what needs to be done when circumstances are hard and outcomes are uncertain.
Ruth balanced caring for Naomi, providing food, and learning how to live in a new land. Her faith was lived out through responsibility, diligence, and trust in God’s provision.
For another example of women in Scripture who trusted God courageously in challenging circumstances, consider how the daughters of Zelophehad boldly claimed their inheritance when tradition offered no hope.
Favor and Blessing in Bethlehem
Ruth continues to inspire me because she has a character I want to develop in my own life.
Ruth’s godly character did not go unnoticed. Boaz observed her humility, diligence, and care for Naomi. Her reputation reflected consistent obedience rather than self promotion.
“And Boaz said unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.”
Ruth 2:8
God used Ruth’s faithfulness to position her under protection and provision. What began as a simple act of obedience in gleaning fields became part of a greater story of redemption.
Later, Naomi reassured Ruth with words that reflected how deeply her character was known.
“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
This moment reveals the power of a faithful reputation built over time.
Ruth, Boaz, and God’s Provision Through Redemption
Ruth’s faithfulness did not end in the fields of Bethlehem. God’s provision continued through Boaz, a man who honored both Ruth and Naomi by acting as a kinsman redeemer. He followed God’s law with integrity and compassion, ensuring that the family line would be preserved and cared for.
Boaz did not rush or act out of self interest. He acted with wisdom, patience, and respect, reflecting a heart that valued obedience to God and the well being of others. Ruth trusted Naomi’s guidance throughout this process, showing humility and discernment as she waited on God’s timing.
Their marriage was not simply a personal blessing. It was God’s answer to Naomi’s bitterness and loss. Through Ruth and Boaz, God restored what had been broken and brought new life where there had been grief.
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.”
Ruth 4:13
The child born to Ruth and Boaz was named Obed. His birth brought joy and renewal to Naomi, and his life became part of God’s unfolding plan. Obed would become the grandfather of David, linking Ruth’s quiet faithfulness to a much greater story than she could have imagined when she first left Moab.
This moment reminds us that God’s provision often unfolds gradually. What begins with simple obedience and trust can lead to restoration that reaches far beyond our own lives.
Kindness that Bears Fruit
Ruth’s kindness was not limited to words or good intentions. It was lived out in care, sacrifice, and loyalty during a season of deep grief.
Naomi had lost her husband and both of her sons. Ruth stepped into that place of loss with steady love, not out of obligation, but out of genuine devotion.
Through Ruth’s kindness, God provided restoration. Her faithfulness opened the way for provision through Boaz, a kinsman redeemer who ensured the family line would continue.
“She took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.”
Ruth 2:18
What Ruth gave in love, God multiplied in blessing. Her story shows how kindness and faithfulness often work together in God’s plan, even when we cannot see the full picture.
God’s Greater Plan Through Ordinary Faith
Ruth’s story does not end with provision alone. She became part of God’s redemptive plan in a way she could never have imagined when she first left Moab.
Did You Know? Ruth is one of the few women named in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:5. Her faithfulness shows how God works through ordinary lives to fulfill extraordinary purposes.
Her obedience impacted not only her own future, but generations to come.
Living With Godly Character Today
Ruth’s life reminds us that godly character is shaped through consistent choices, not grand gestures. Her story highlights qualities that remain just as meaningful today:
Kindness shown through service and care
Courage to step forward when the path is uncertain
Humility in learning and following wise guidance
Faithfulness in everyday responsibilities
Loyalty when leaving would be easier
Integrity that builds a trustworthy reputation
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Proverbs 22:1
Godly character is formed in ordinary moments. As we reflect on Ruth’s life, we are reminded that faithfulness in small things often leads to outcomes we could never plan on our own.
If you are reflecting on godly character and how it looks in real life, you may also enjoy my exploration of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 31, where character and wisdom are beautifully woven together.
Questions to Reflect On
Which of Ruth’s qualities do you see developing in your own life?
Where might God be calling you to show courage in uncertain circumstances?
How can kindness and faithfulness shape your relationships right now?
What kind of reputation are your daily choices building?
How might God be using your obedience in ways you cannot yet see?
Ruth’s story encourages us to trust God with both the known and the unknown. Through loyalty, humility, and faith, her life shows that God works powerfully through those who choose faithfulness one step at a time.
Hi, I’m Dana, the voice behind Exhortations for Today. I’m a grandmother called Nonna, a home cook, and an aspiring quilter. I believe in the power of God’s Word to recharge and renew the weary soul. Here, I share devotionals, Bible study tips, and reflections on living a faith-filled life. Want to learn more about my journey? Read more about me here.
