(v3) Therefore, wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. (v5) And she said to her, “All that you say to me I will do.” – Ruth 3:3,5
For the past couple of day we’ve been looking at Ruth 3, going over one great trait of Ruth that runs through: she listened to good counsel. Dear friend, can you be counseled and instructed? We’ve gone through the first three counsels from Architect Naomi. Are you ready for the next one? (I also hope you’ve identified some architects in your own life to submit to and prayerfully considering others).
Please note: just because we are using the example of Ruth and Naomi does not mean this applies only to women or ladies. Yes, some may be specific for ladies, but this is Godly advice for both men and women, and is applicable even beyond marriage relationships also.
4. Young lady, wear the right clothes
Naomi wanted Ruth to wear the right clothes that would make her look even more beautiful when Boaz saw her. Some people only look nice at work, weddings, events, and when going out of the home (and that is not a bad thing).
But it is also important to look nice at home and in every casual setting (so please consider getting some nice things to wear at home; start this month?).
- The torn dresses and clothes and rags that you wear at home, please change them.
- Get nice “house or lounge clothes” (even matching casual clothes) to wear around the house when going about your duties or spending time with the ones you love at home.
- If you have to rush to change clothes into “something nice” whenever someone is coming around, it suggests that the ones with you at home are not enjoying your niceness.
Remember, we are talking about the right clothing – not expensive clothing and top trendy clothing that breaks bank. We don’t need expensive things to be attractive and look good.
And even if the things you need to get at home are the same prices or even more costly (I doubt) than the ones you wear out, it is very okay. Because you’ll be looking good for yourself and the person/people you love (or what do you think?)
- Now, please when you’re going out, discard the skimpy clothes, and the ones exposing your nakedness (breasts, thighs, etc).
- Dear Christian, please be an example in modesty. If needed, let an experienced ‘Naomi’ guide you even in these.
- We need to point out this balance because the Bible speaks of the attire and intent of the harlot or a prostitute (Proverbs 7:10). The Bible also tells us that people look at the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner.
What is the attire and intent of the prostitute? If we have to look naked to attract people, we’re dressing like prostitutes. If we dress to provoke lust in men/women, we are dressing like prostitutes. It is prostitutes that want to attract people by their nakedness.
So when you dress and all we can focus on is your figure, breasts, buttocks, thighs; (and for the men your muscles and six pack, etc); or we’re seeing through the clothing; or seeing your underwear or bra; you may not mean to but you appear dressed as a prostitute or with crafty intent.
- And instead of attracting a Boaz, you may attract a “bozo” or “booze man.” Instead of attracting a Ruth, you may attract someone ruthless.
- So can check the people we are attracting daily in our lives also, it may give an indication to how we appear outward
- Please let’s allow experienced ‘Naomis’ to guide us even in these. (Remember this is not just about marriage or relationships but even guidance for dressing modestly in the corporate setting, etc).
1 Samuel 16:7 simply means that our outward appearance (which includes our clothing) suggests how you are received, how you are going to be perceived, the kind of people you are going to attract, favours that can come your way, etc.
5. Young lady, understand your man
It is said that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. A woman is very different from a man. Without training, a woman will never know how to behave towards a man. Naomi had to give Ruth lessons on this.
Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but DO NOT MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN TO THE MAN until he has finished eating and drinking. Then it shall be, when he lies down, that YOU SHALL NOTICE the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.” (Ruth 3:3-4)
I am sure the same can be said of men. Without proper training and knowledge, a man will never understand a woman. (I’m always asking questions because ei, it is not simple)
- How wonderful it is when an experienced woman teaches the younger lady how to relate to her man (same goes for young men receiving lessons on how to relate to their women). And this may not be in person but through their books.
- Remember also not to generalise every knowledge to all men or all Christian men (and vice versa to all women, all leaders, all bosses, etc.). That may be an error.
We’ll finish with Naomi’s counsel tomorrow, but spend some time and pray about what we’ve read today. What can you do differently to follow today’s counsel? Pray that the Holy Spirit will show you different ways to apply this word in your life. Now that you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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