Virtuous Women (1)
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Pro. 31:10 NKJV
Virtuous Women are not just ordinary women; they are women that are capable, able to discern in the spirit, courageous, visionary, loyal and faithful, and can build a home. There are several of such women in the Bible, but we shall take a brief look at Ruth, Abigail and Mary the mother of Jesus Christ.
Ruth
A whole book (Ruth) was dedicated to the story of Ruth in the Old Testament. The book has 4 chapters. Ruth is an Hebrew word which means, ‘friend’, ‘friendship’, or ‘compassionate friend’. Ruth actually lived up to her name by sticking with Naomi, her mother in law, throughout the latter’s trials. The tragedy that befell Naomi was detailed in Ruth 1:1-5. In a strange land, Naomi lost her husband and two sons; and was left with just her two daughters in laws. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Pro. 18:24 NIV. Ruth was an example of such a friend who stays with you through thick and thin.
Remarkable Things About Ruth
1. In the genealogy of David, Ruth was the great grandmother of King David. Mt 1:5
2. Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even when it appeared that the old woman had nothing left to offer to her. Ruth 1:12-14.
3. Ruth was ready to lay down her life for her mother-in-law, just as Christ laid down his life for the salvation of mankind. “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.
Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”” Ruth 1:16-17 NKJV.
3. Ruth was devoted to her mother-in-law, and obedient to her in all things, concerning gleaning for grains (Ruth 2), and the matter of Boaz (Ruth 3), who later married Ruth (Ruth 4).
Ruth’s life was an example of love, friendship, sacrifice, devotion, obedience, submission, and willingness to learn from an older woman whom she has taken as her mother and mentor, even when the older woman has nothing physically to offer her. Whether you are a man or a woman, there are a lot of lessons to learn from the story of Ruth.
Prayer
O God my Father, give me a heart of love, faithfulness, and devotion like Ruth. I want to live a virtuous life that will glorify your holy name. Help me today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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