Ruth 3:11 : “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people
of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”
Blaise Pascal, a 17th century philosopher and theologian, declared, “The virtue of a man ought to be
measured, not by his extraordinary exertions, but by his every day conduct.”
The people of Bethlehem had noticed Ruth’s daily conduct, and that earned her the reputation of
being a virtuous woman. She lived during the period known as the Judges, an era of Israel’s history
when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6). It was a time of loose morals, and,
as she approached Boaz in the dark of night, her good intentions might have been misunderstood.
But Boaz knew her reputation for virtue, and he had seen her conduct as she gleaned among the
reapers. Based on this information, he had no question about her motives and no qualms in agreeing
to do all that she requested.
God wants His people to live virtuous lives no matter what the rest of society does. Peter
admonished, “But also for this very reason [the corruption of the world], giving all diligence, add to
your faith virtue” (2Pet.1:5). In the midst of a society that appears to enjoy wallowing in the pigsty of
immorality, it is imperative that we live with virtue. Why? Because virtuous living keeps us in close
fellowship with God. In addition, it sets us apart as a witness to the cleansing power of Jesus Christ.
At a time when once again “every man is doing what is right in his own eyes,” you and I need to be
distinguished as people of virtue.
Make sure your daily conduct reflects faith and virtue. In every respect, deal honestly with those
around you. Keep not only your actions but also your thoughts from impurity, By doing so, you’ll build
for yourself the best reputation of all — not of shrewdness or business acumen, but of virtue.
A LIFE WITHOUT VIRTUE IS A LIFE WITHOUT VALUE.