“So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you.’” (Ruth 2:8-9a)

Boaz was a worthy man, someone to respect and imitate. Why? He balanced tenderness with toughness. He spoke kindly to Ruth, but ensured that she would be physically protected as well. Boaz was not a passive man, but actively pursued Ruth and actively ensured her safety by defending her. He was also a producer – he ran the wheat fields.

So what wasn’t he?

He wasn’t passive.

He worked behind the scenes to ensure Ruth’s safety and actively protected her. He also had a job and wasn’t idle or simply entertaining himself. He was an active, working man.

He wasn’t silent.

First, he arrives on the scene of his workplace with a salutation of truth. He declares “The LORD be with you” and we get the impression that speaking truth was a regular part of his day. Second, he spoke to Ruth and ensured her of her safety.

Mankind fell in the garden because Eve ate the fruit AND because her husband sat back and watched it all happen. Adam was silent. Passive.

Let’s be Boaz.

Tough and tender. Active and vocal.

God, Don’t let me be silent. Remind me to speak up and to take action. Make me more like You. Amen.