A Memory Verse
When looking at verses dealing with noble character, Boaz’s response to Ruth makes a great memory verse.
Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people knows that you are a worthy woman.
Ruth 3:11 (WEB)
As we live our lives, we are known by our character and the choices we make. In Ruth’s case, she was known as a Moabite with faithful devotion to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi. When both women were widowed, Ruth made a pledge to Naomi to make Naomi’s God her own and to care for Naomi until death parted them. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem in Judah, Ruth followed her and kept her pledge.
This pledge led Ruth to work as a gleaner in the barley fields of Boaz. Boaz recognized Ruth for her hard work and devotion. Eventually, Naomi realizes that Boaz is a possibly sympathetic kinsman redeemer and convinces Ruth to propose marriage to him. While this is a bit alarming to our modern sensibilities, Boaz acknowledges that Ruth is known as a woman of noble character and that he will honor her request to the best of his ability.
As we consider the idea that we may need to ask for a significant favor at some point in our future, how do we want to be known? This memory verse should convince us that we should live our lives to the best of our ability. Fulfilling our promises and living a moral life are great starts!
An even better list of character traits are found in Galatians when Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (WEB)
Reflection Questions
- If someone were to describe your character, what would they say?
- Considering the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Which of these traits are easy for you? Which of these traits could use improvement?
- Have you ever asked for a huge favor? How did the person respond? Why do you think they responded the way they did?
- What are you going to do to improve your actions so that someone will say that you are “a person of noble character.”
Reflective Prayer
Use this memory verse to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication
- Adoration: Praise God. Does this verse bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this verse bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this verse inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this verse inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
Respond
As you consider the theme of having noble character, are there any Bible verses that came to mind? If so, add a comment at the end of this post!
Related Resources
Read: Ruth 3 – A Bible Study about Taking Action while Remaining Humble and Respectful
Read: Musings about Asking for Help
Read: A Prayer about Asking for Help in Times of Need
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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