When we read the story of Ruth, our attention often centers on the godly woman she was. While that emphasis is certainly deserved, it can sometimes cause us to overlook the godly husband God was shaping in Boaz. Long before Boaz took Ruth as his wife, he was already living as a godly man and demonstrating the qualities of a godly husband. His character ultimately earned him the blessing of a godly woman. It is worth reflecting on whether we possess these same character traits, whether we are single men of God or married.
Prosperity
"Now Naomi had a relative of her husband, a man of great wealth and influence...." - Ruth 2:1
Boaz was a wealthy man, but his significance extended far beyond his material riches. He was a godly influence. Later, in verse four, one of the first things we see him say to those working under him is a blessing from God. He intentionally acknowledged his servants with kindness and care, while also noticing someone new among them. This show his attention to details.
When men lead from a place of servanthood to God rather than authority over others, the difference between true blessing and mere wealth becomes clear. Boaz proved himself to be a godly master to those who served under him, and God blessed the work of his hands. Those blessings were about more than money, as Ruth’s story so beautifully reveals. When a man earns his living honestly and works as unto the Lord, God can prosper him in ways he never saw coming.
Her Priority
"Then Boaz said to Ruth...stay here close by my maids." - Ruth 2:8
Boaz found Ruth attractive not only in appearance, but also in character and testimony. Once he learned who she was, he gave her a place of priority in his household, treating her with the honor due to a young woman of worth. She was no longer a stranger in his field, but someone he cared for and trusted.
When a godly man marries a godly woman, she deserves to hold that same priority in his life. Your wife should never feel like a stranger to you; she should be welcomed as your helpmate. She should be honored, valued, and receive the benefits that come with such a cherished position. Boaz’s treatment of Ruth already reflected the condition of his heart toward her, reminding us that actions often speak louder than words. Ephesians 5:31 instructs a man to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. There is a deep reason God gives this instruction. If we are not careful, we can allow other things—and even other people—to take precedence over the one with whom we have been united. Outside of our relationship with God, the union we share with the person we choose to love should hold a central place in our lives. Why? Because when you are united as one flesh, placing her last requires placing yourself first. Eventually, that imbalance will reveal itself in one way or another.
Her Protection
"...I have commanded the servants no to touch you..." - Ruth 2:9
After making Ruth a priority, Boaz uses his position to protect her. In biblical times, working in the fields alongside men could be dangerous. Boaz makes sure every man in his fields understands that Ruth is not to be touched, harassed, or harmed in any way. Instead, she is to be watched over and protected.
A godly husband takes every measure to protect what is priceless to him, no matter who rises up against her—even those within his own household. Long before Ruth became Boaz’s wife, he was already acting in the role of her spouse. His instinct to guard her and keep her safe was not merely natural; it was a divine calling. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Christ died for His bride, and husbands should be willing to do the same. Yet that kind of love often begins with dying to self. How can we expect our wives to trust that we will protect them from every enemy if, at times, we become the enemy ourselves? Through failing to protect her from the things we know are harming her or could harm her. Ephesians 5:28 reminds us to love our wives as we love our own bodies. If you would not do something to yourself—or want it done to you—you should be equally committed to protecting her from it at all costs.
Her Provision
"...so she sat beside the reapers; and he served her roasted grain, and she ate until she was satisfied and she had some left for Naomi." - Ruth 2:14
After making Ruth a priority and offering her protection, Boaz also provided for her daily needs. He gave her food and water while she gleaned in the fields. Fieldwork was demanding for men and women alike; the heat and exhaustion could quickly wear a person down. By providing for Ruth each day, Boaz enabled her to stay longer and gather more than she needed simply to survive.
A godly man seeks to ensure that his wife’s daily needs are met—not only the basics. Provision and protection are essential, but Boaz also cared for Ruth’s emotional needs by helping provide for Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, whom she deeply loved. What your wife needs from you may change from day to day. Some days, she may need that paycheck to make bills. Other days she may need a defense from oppositions. On other days, she may simply need a hug or a word of encouragement. A godly husband looks for opportunities to meet needs beyond the bare minimum. The reality is that Boaz could have stopped with allowing Ruth to glean—or even with protecting her as she did it. Instead, he went above and beyond, meeting deeper needs that allowed Ruth to be cared for while also helping her provide for the people she loved. First Timothy 5:8 reminds us that anyone who does not provide for his relatives, especially those in his own household, has denied the faith. This teaches us that provision within the home must be a priority before we seek to meet needs outside of it. If you are giving more to your job, hobbies or church than you do to your spouse and family inside of the home, rest assured it won't stay a home for long.
Her Peace
"...for you have comforted me..." - Ruth 2:12-13
There came a time when Ruth asked Boaz why he was showing her such kindness. His response comforted her in a way she may not have expected. Boaz had heard about the kind of woman Ruth was and all she had done for Naomi. He helped her see that it was not merely his kindness being extended to her, but God blessing her for her character and the choices she had made. Ruth’s response confirms how deeply his words comforted her. True comfort often brings a peace that cannot be matched.
A godly husband knows how to comfort his wife when she does not understand why something is happening in her life. He also uses God’s Word to lead her toward understanding and calm the anxiety that may be stirring in her heart. In 1 Peter 3:7, the Bible instructs husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way—to recognize her vulnerabilities and weaknesses while honoring her by treating her with tenderness. It further expresses men to not be harsh. While men may not be naturally geared towards sensitivity, God is calling them to it when their spouse is concerned.
Her Privilege
"...let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not insult her. Also you shall purposely pull out for her some stalks [of grain] from the sheaves and leave them so that she may collect them, and do not rebuke her." - Ruth 2:15-16
As if everything Boaz had done up to this point were not enough, he sought to do even more. He instructed his servants to ensure Ruth could gather more than she needed, once again demonstrating how a godly husband looks for ways to bless his wife beyond the bare minimum.
This is not always monetary. Sometimes it looks like dating her, loving her well through your actions, affirming her with your words, or bringing her flowers. Make it clear that you did not sign up for the basic package. A godly husband should desire to go above and beyond—not out of begrudging loyalty to a commitment, but from a heart of love for his wife. Ecclesiastes 9:9 reminds us that life with our wife is meant to be enjoyed. In fact, she is a gift from God amid all our toil. Consider the things we love—our hobbies and entertainment—and the attention we give them. We know every player on the team, every lyric to the soundtrack, and every hobby of the guys at work. Yet if we cannot tell someone our wife’s favorite color or favorite place to go, there is a problem. She is the one God gave you to enjoy life with. Choosing to enjoy life apart from her works against the purpose of that gift and will almost always leave behind the marks of a damaged relationship with a returned receipt shortly following.
While we often talk about the blessing Boaz was to Ruth, we sometimes fail to see the blessing Ruth was to Boaz. A man already walking in the righteous ways of a godly spouse long before God brought him his bride. If more men would lead with this integrity, they just might find more Ruth women showing up in their life, and we would see more marriages reaping a harvest of blessings instead of divorces.
Sincerely Selena
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