When it comes to world of business, there are many people who believe that selling your soul is a small price when it comes to wealth and fortune.  There are examples of this every day on the news and it was a common practice during Boaz’s time.  This made Boaz stand out even more as a successful businessman who owned many fields, had many workers and slaves and had the means for much more.

• He cared about his workers—“The Lord be with you” (Ruth 2:4).
• He was astute (knew who worked for him and knew the comings and goings)—“Whose young woman is that?” (Ruth 2:5).
• He was honest and fair—“For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line” (Ruth 4:2-5).
• He was wealthy—“I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon” (Ruth 4:9).
• He was well respected—the kinsman-redeemer and elders were willing to listen to Boaz and blessed him (Ruth 4:1-2, 11-13).

Life’s greatest joys are not what one does apart from the work of one’s life, but with the work of one’s life — William J Bennett

How to Be a Man in a Relationship

Why do men chase women they have no intention of marrying?  The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving — Author Unknown

This period of time was marked by immorality and irresponsibility. Boaz was a successful, single older man, and was probably pursued and could have married (or taken advantage of) anyone he wanted to, but he didn’t.  A younger, widowed woman in an unfamiliar place comes along and catches his eye, but throughout their interaction, he treats her honorably.

• He respected her—“My daughter . . .” (which was a proper greeting based upon the difference in their ages) (Ruth 2:8).
• He ensured her safety—“I have told the men not to touch you” (Ruth 2:9).
• He cared for Ruth and Naomi—“He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed” (Ruth 3:17).
• He acted responsibly with her—he did not send her home in the middle of the night, “Stay here for the night”; he protected the rights of the nearest kinsman-redeemer, “ . . . if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem.”; he protected her reputation, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor” (Ruth 3:13-14).
• He would not touch her unless Ruth was rightfully his to do so—“ . . .there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I" (who has the right to her); He promised he would care for her if given the opportunity—“…if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it” (Ruth 3:13); “So Boaz took Ruth as she became his wife” (Ruth 4:13).

Men are given so many confusing messages these days by society, by the media, by peers and by women themselves.  Everywhere we look, we are told how we should be, what we should look like or wear and how we should act.  Men are being bounced between macho-ism and metro-sexual-ism.  And the only place that we can go to establish a foundation of “how to be a man” is the Word of God.

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
Do no swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

(Proverbs 4:20-27)

Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
'Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understand
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

4HIM – “Measure of a Man”

Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books).  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.