LIKE THE MERCHANTS’ SHIPS

The Hebrew word translated ‘virtuous’ in verse 10 denotes far more than just chastity but embraces every moral virtue and strength. It is often translated ‘valour’, this woman being the counterpart of ‘a man of valour’. In character she is reliable and diligent, a true help, suited to her husband, one in whom he has total confidence, who seeks only what is good for him, and who adds to the esteem and reputation that he has before men, vv. 11, 12, 23, ‘a crown to her husband’, Prov. 12. 4. Her compe­tence is manifest: domestically, in her care for and control of the household, giving attention to their food, clothing and interests, vv. 15, 21, 22, 27; commercially, in her transactions, seeking ‘wool and flax’ that her willing hands make into cloth and garments to sell to the merchants, vv. 13, 24, and in seeking opportunity to extend the estate of her husband and use it to advantage and profit, v. 16. It is in connection with the provision of food for her household that she is likened to ‘the merchants’ ships’ that tra­verse the seas to return laden with stores from far countries. Thinking of the spirit of enterprise, the distances covered, the different destinations and the great variety of goods associated with these ships and their travels, we can begin to appreciate the great lengths to which this virtuous women is willing to go in order to provide healthy and palatable food for her household. Her compassion is seen in her care not only for the members of her household but equally in her consideration of the poor and needy, v. 20. Her conversation is marked by wisdom and grace, v. 26. Her commendation comes from the lips of her children, v. 28, her husband, vv. 28, 29, and the king, vv. 30, 31. Her com­mitment is not just to her husband and family but beyond that to the Lord, the fear of the Lord regulating and manifest in every part of her life, v. 30. Is such reverence and fear evident with us? Would our life stand the close examination given here to the vir­tuous woman?

‘Who can find a virtuous woman’, v. 10? Though the ques­tion infers such women are rare, Boaz found one, and it was Ruth’s contact with Boaz that brought that character out in her. Husbands, if you want a Ruth you will need to be a Boaz!