15 Beautiful Lessons We Can Learn From Ruth in the Bible
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure on my Affiliate Disclosure Page
The Book of Ruth is a rich blend of love, loyalty, and divine providence. This beloved narrative is especially significant during the Jewish festival of Shavuot (what Christians know as Pentecost), where it is traditionally read. Let’s dive into fifteen key lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible by exploring its profound teachings and their implications for our lives today.
15 Lessons We Can Learn From Ruth in the Bible
1. Loyalty and Devotion
Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, is one of the most poignant themes in the book. Despite being a Moabite, Ruth pledges her allegiance to Naomi, saying:
“Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”
Ruth 1:16 TLV
This act of devotion is significant, considering the socio-cultural barriers and the uncertainty that lied ahead for her. Ruth’s loyalty is a testament to the power of steadfast commitment, teaching us to prioritize our relationships and commitments over our own comfort.
In Hebrew, the term for loyalty or faithfulness is emunah (אֱמוּנָה), which conveys a sense of steadfastness and reliability. Ruth’s emunah towards Naomi is a model for how we can remain faithful to those we care about, even when circumstances are challenging.
2. Courage in the Face of Adversity
Ruth’s decision to leave her homeland and accompany Naomi to Bethlehem was full of uncertainty and risk. Her courage in the face of adversity highlights the value of bravery and resilience. In times of hardship, like Ruth, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in God’s provision.
The Hebrew word for courage, ometz lev (אוֹמֶץ לֵב), literally translates to “strength of heart.” Ruth’s ometz lev is evident as she leaves behind her own familiar world, risking her safety and her future to support Naomi. This teaches us the importance of facing our fears and challenges with a steadfast heart, trusting that God will guide and protect us.
3. Kindness and Compassion
Ruth’s kindness to Naomi is evident throughout the story. In a world that often rewards self-interest, Ruth’s selflessness is an example for us to follow. Her actions remind us of the Jewish concept of chesed (חֶסֶד), which means loving-kindness and compassion. We are encouraged to show kindness to others, reflecting God’s loving nature, with no expectation of anything in return. THAT is true chesed!
In the narrative, Boaz also exhibits chesed by protecting and providing for Ruth, reinforcing that acts of kindness can have a profound impact on other people. This mutual display of chesed between Ruth and Boaz cements the community’s role in supporting one another, especially during times of need.
4. The Importance of Family
Ruth’s story underscores the significance of family bonds. Despite the deaths of their husbands, Ruth remains loyal to Naomi, embodying the Biblical principle of honoring and supporting family members. This narrative encourages us to cherish and nurture our family relationships.
Family in Hebrew is mishpacha (מִשְׁפָּחָה), which conveys a sense of belonging and collective responsibility. Ruth’s integration into Naomi’s family and later into Boaz’s household illustrates the inclusive and supportive nature of mishpacha. It reminds us to uphold our familial duties and to be there for our relatives, creating a strong, supportive network.
5. Faith in God’s Plan
Ruth’s journey is a testimony of her faith in God’s plan. She leaves behind her pagan roots and embraces the God of Israel.
The Hebrew term bitachon (בִּטָּחוֹן) means trust and confidence in God. Ruth’s bitachon is evident as she steps into an unknown future with Naomi. Her faith is rewarded as God’s plan unfolds, leading her to Boaz and securing her place in the lineage of King David and ultimately our Messiah Yeshua. This illustrates that trusting in God, even without knowing the outcome, can lead to blessings and fulfillment.
6. The Power of Community
When Ruth and Naomi return to Bethlehem, they are welcomed and supported by their community. The townspeople were excited to see Naomi again and they said, “Can this be Naomi?” But, overwhelmed by her losses—the deaths of her husband and two sons—Naomi responded with deep bitterness and said “Don’t call me Naomi,” which means “pleasant” in Hebrew. Instead, she asked to be called “Mara,” meaning “bitter,” explaining that God had dealt very bitterly with her.
A sense of belonging and mutual support in a community is vital. The story of Ruth encourages us to foster strong, supportive communities that uplift and care for one another.
Community in Hebrew is kehillah (קְהִלָּה). The kehillah in Bethlehem rallies around Ruth and Naomi, showing that a community’s strength lies in its ability to support its members, especially when they are hurting. This teaches us to contribute positively to our own communities, ensuring they are inclusive and supportive spaces for everyone.
7. Redemption and Restoration
Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, restores Naomi’s family by marrying Ruth. This act of redemption is central to the narrative and reflects the larger Biblical theme of God’s redemptive love. It teaches us that no situation is beyond God’s ability to redeem and restore.
The concept of a kinsman-redeemer, or go’el (גּוֹאֵל) in Hebrew, signifies someone who restores the rights of another and avenges wrongs. Boaz’s role as go’el not only redeems Ruth and Naomi but also preserves their family lineage. This reflects God’s ultimate act of redemption through Yeshua (Jesus), who restores our relationship with God.
8. Humility and Hard Work
Ruth’s willingness to glean in the fields to support Naomi is a powerful lesson in humility and hard work. Her diligence and humility are rewarded, showing us the importance of working hard and maintaining a humble spirit.
The Hebrew word anavah (עֲנָוָה) means humility. Ruth’s anavah is demonstrated through her willingness to perform humble labor. Her story teaches us that no task is too small when it comes to supporting our loved ones and fulfilling our responsibilities. Hard work and humility often lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities.
9. The Role of Women
Ruth and Naomi are central figures in the narrative, highlighting the significant role of women in God’s plan. Their story underscores the value and impact of women’s contributions to family and society.
In the context of the Hebrew Bible, the term eshet chayil (אֵשֶׁת חַיִל) means “woman of valor.” Ruth embodies this as she takes bold steps to ensure her and Naomi’s survival. This title celebrates women’s strength, wisdom, and capability, reminding us of the crucial roles women play in God’s redemptive history and in our lives today.
10. God’s Inclusive Love
Ruth, a Moabite, becomes the great-grandmother of King David, emphasizing God’s inclusive love. This inclusion of a foreigner in the lineage of David, and ultimately Jesus, highlights God’s openness to all people, regardless of their background. It teaches us about the width and breadth of God’s love and the importance of inclusivity.
The Hebrew term for nations, goyim (גּוֹיִם), is often used to refer to non-Israelite or non-Jewish people. Ruth’s story shows that God’s covenant extends beyond Israel to all goyim, prefiguring the Messianic inclusion of the “nations of the earth” into the faith and into relationship with the God of Israel. This theme is central to Messianic Judaism and reminds us of the inclusive nature of God’s love.
11. The Significance of Shavuot
The Book of Ruth is read during Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, which celebrates the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the harvest season. This connection is significant as Ruth’s story unfolds during the barley harvest and culminates in the wheat harvest. Shavuot is a time to reflect on God’s provision and the giving of His word, paralleling Ruth’s acceptance into the Israelite community and her role in God’s plan.
In Hebrew, the term Shavuot (שָׁבוּעוֹת) means “weeks,” referring to the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. This period, known as the Omer, is a time of preparation and anticipation. Ruth’s story of preparation and eventual reward aligns with this theme of anticipation and fulfillment.
In addition, Ruth’s acceptance of the God of Israel and her integration into the Israelite community during Shavuot symbolize the universal call to all nations to come to God.
12. Providence in Everyday Life
Ruth’s story demonstrates how God’s providence operates in everyday life. From her “chance” encounter with Boaz to the community’s role in her story, we see that God’s hand is present in the mundane details of our lives. It encourages us to recognize and trust in God’s guidance in our daily experiences.
God is intimately involved in our lives, orchestrating events for our good, even when we cannot see His hand at work.
13. The Blessings of Obedience
Ruth’s obedience to Naomi’s guidance and to the customs of her new community leads to her ultimate blessing. This underscores the principle that obedience to God and to wise counsel brings blessings. Ruth’s story teaches us the value of following God’s instructions and the wisdom of our elders.
14. Legacy and Heritage
Ruth’s story is a vital link in the genealogy of King David and Jesus. Her legacy is one of faithfulness, courage, and redemption. This reminds us of the importance of our own legacy and the impact our lives can have on future generations. It calls us to live lives that honor God and positively influence those who come after us.
In Hebrew, the word for inheritance or heritage is nachalah (נַחֲלָה). Ruth’s nachalah includes her direct contribution to the lineage of David and Jesus. This encourages us to consider the spiritual nachalah we are building and leaving behind, aiming to influence future generations positively.
15. Transformation through Faith
Ruth’s transformation from a Moabite widow to a beloved member of the Bethlehem community and an ancestor of David illustrates the transformative power of faith. Her journey shows that faith in God can lead to profound personal and communal transformation. It encourages us to embrace faith as a catalyst for change in our lives.
The Hebrew word for transformation, shinui (שִׁנּוּי), captures this idea of change. Ruth’s shinui from an outsider to a pivotal figure in Israel’s history is a powerful demonstration of what faith can accomplish. It inspires us to allow our faith to transform us and to be agents of change in our communities.
Shavuot and Pentecost
Shavuot is known as Pentecost, derived from the Greek word pentekoste, meaning fiftieth. This name reflects the fifty-day count from Passover.
The transition from Shavuot to Pentecost occurred as the early followers of Yeshua, who were predominantly Jewish, observed Shavuot. With the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (as described in Acts 2) during Shavuot, the festival took on new meaning. The Holy Spirit’s arrival is seen as marking the birth of the ekklesia or church, giving significance to Pentecost in Christianity as a celebration of both the harvest and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
My Final Thoughts on Ruth in the Bible and Her Lessons
As we can see, the Book of Ruth offers a wealth of lessons that are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Her story teaches us about loyalty, courage, kindness, and the transformative power of faith.
As we reflect on these lessons we are reminded of God’s providence, the importance of community, and the inclusive nature of His love. Ruth’s journey from a foreign widow to a cherished ancestor of David and Jesus is a powerful testimony to the impact of faith and obedience.
I pray we all embrace the lessons from Ruth’s life, seeking to exhibit the same loyalty, courage, and faithfulness in our own lives. Each year, as we celebrate Shavuot or Pentecost, I hope we are inspired by Ruth’s story and encouraged to deepen our commitment to God and to our communities, trusting in His care and redemptive power.
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.