And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. – Ruth 3:11
Many women use the Proverbs 31 woman as the standard against which to measure themselves to assess whether or not they are a good woman, an excellent wife, or a virtuous woman. But what exactly makes one a virtuous woman? To answer that question, we turn our attention to the book of Ruth, in the Old Testament.
Ruth was a Moabitess who married an Israelite refugee, Chilion. Chilion’s family had migrated to Moab, years prior, because of a severe famine that had plagued their hometown, Bethlehem. For some time, he had lived in Moab with his parents Elimelech and Naomi, and his brother Mahlon. Then Elimelech died leaving his widowed wife to care for the two boys.
The boys grew and eventually married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah, continuing their residence in Moab. Some Jewish scholars claim that both Orpah and Ruth were daughters of Eglon, king of Moab, and as such were royalty, princesses. They submit that Elimelech was a man of great wealth who chose to take his riches with him to Moab, rather than have them depleted by the famine in Bethlehem. It was his status as a wealthy man that made his sons suitable candidates for Eglon’s daughters, princesses of Moab.
After about 10 years of marriage, both men died, leaving behind their mother and widowed wives. Naomi encouraged them to go back to their family, so as to have an opportunity to re-marry and build families of their own. Her intention was to return to Bethlehem and live out her remaining years. Orpah heeded Naomi’s advice and stayed in Moab with her family, but Ruth chose to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem, abandoning her family and Moabitish way of life. She vowed to remain with Naomi until death and to accept Naomi’s God and people as her own.
Naomi tried to explain to Ruth what lay in a future with her. There was no hope of re-marriage, as Naomi did not have any more sons for her to marry, according to the Levirate Law. In addition, not only were there the prospects of poverty and hunger to look forward to, but as a Moabite, a foreigner in the land of Israel, Ruth would be subject to great reproach.
Ruth, the Moabitess, was returning with Naomi, who was returning in shame. Naomi had left full (Ruth 1: 20), a woman from an illustrious family, escaping the impending suffering of famine and leaving behind friends and relatives to suffer. She now returns empty with a Moabitess daughter-in-law, to former friends and relatives who may feel some animosity towards her. Not only had the family defected but they had given their sons, eligible Jewish bachelors, to Moabite women.
What was so particularly scathing about Moab? It was a country with whom Israel have had conflicts over the years. God had even given them a command that specifically stated that Deuteronomy 23:4-5. Moab was alsoa country of idolaters, idol-worshippers.
Eventually, they arrived in Bethlehem. None of Naomi’s relatives or former friends step forward to give the women aid. However, Ruth, instead of allowing her aged mother-in-law to go into the fields and work, urged her to stay at home while she, the former princess, joined the poor in gleaning the fields. She worked tirelessly from morning until evening (Ruth 2:7, 17) throughout both the barley and wheat harvest seasons. News of her character as a caring daughter-in-law, a laborer, and a convert to Judaism spread throughout the town.
Boaz answered her, “I’ve heard all about you—heard about the way you treated your mother-in-law after the death of her husband, and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to live among a bunch of total strangers. ” (Ruth 2:11 – MSG)
And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. (Ruth 3:11 – NKJV)
It was public knowledge that Ruth was a virtuous woman. The people of Bethlehem had observed Ruth’s efficiency, ability, and strength in the face of poverty, hardship, and humiliation. She fought against the climate of prejudice, animosity, and hostility and overcame. She did not let this climate infect her spirit but remained humble, modest, and positive, being content no matter her state. She approached every day with valor and courage, relentlessly engaging life although there was no hope of a change of their situation. She was a woman of uprightness and integrity.
Ruth’s virtuousness is demonstrated in her strength. Elimelech lacked the strength to face famine which would result in loss of physical wealth and comforts, so he fled to Moab. Ruth possessed the strength needed to abandon a life of physical wealth and comforts and embrace a life of famine/suffering.
What was it about Ruth that earned her the description of virtuous? She demonstrated physical and mental strength, efficiency, and ability. She maintained her integrity and uprightness. She was a force to be reckoned with, an army that could not be conquered. She did not let life’s circumstances overcome her; rather she rose above them and became the overcomer. The women of Bethlehem testified to Naomi concerning Ruth, “…your daughter-in-law, who loves you, is better to you than seven sons…” – Ruth 4:15. This is the value of a virtuous woman.
- Every time you choose to fight and not give in to what life brings you, you are being a virtuous woman.
- Every time you hold your head up high and persevere in spite of, you are being a virtuous woman.
- Every time you let the ignorance, bigotry and hatred of others roll off your back, you are being a virtuous woman.
- Every time you put your abilities and efficiency to work, you are being a virtuous woman.
- Every time you hold the hand of a loved one who is in suffering and pain and willingly choose to walk with them through it, you are being a virtuous woman.
- Every time you choose to value your vow to God above all else, you are being a virtuous woman.
Who can find a virtuous woman? The next time you look in the mirror, remind yourself that one has been found. That virtuous woman is YOU!
DIG DEEPER:
1. Blog Post – ishah chayil: A Virtuous Woman
2. Bible Study – Proverbs 31:1-10 – A Work of Poetry