Ruth and the virtuous woman

A comparison between Ruth and the "Virtuous Woman"

Her family commitment is noted by others:

Ruth 2:11-12: "And Boaz answered and said to her, 'It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge".

Proverbs 31:11-12: "The heart of her husband safety trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life".

She provided sustenance for her household:

Ruth 2:14,18: "Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, 'Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.' So she sat beside the reapers and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept come back"... "Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied".

Proverbs 31:15: "She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants".

She gave attention to her appearance:

Ruth 3:3,5: "Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking". "And she said to her, 'All that you say to me I will do".

Proverbs 31:22: "She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple".

Her selfless lifestyle drew praise from others:

Ruth 2:11; 3:10; 4:15: (see 2:11 above) 3:10: "Then he said, 'Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich". 4:15: "And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him".

Proverbs 31:28: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her"

She committed herself to Yahweh as God

Ruth 1:16: "But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God".

Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised".