Godly wisdom receives wise words and treasures them. Listening to wisdom involves the ear and the heart to understand. Crying out for discernment and asking for understanding is to seek God’s wisdom. God instructs His children to look for the hidden wealth of wisdom. What is this hidden treasure? It is to fear Him, it is to have understanding of the knowledge of Who God is. And what a promise! He promises that you and I, and whoever else, to honestly search for this treasure. Are you really looking for God’s treasure, Himself? Or do you just lightly say you are and go your own way?
Wisdom is to trust God and then do the next thing. Obeying God’s word is to obey what He says to do, one thought, one word at a time.
This is what Ruth would do…putting Naomi’s wise counsel into action. Naomi used the customs of her people to give security to Ruth. She did not manipulate Boaz through Ruth. She did provide opportunity for Boaz’ interest in Ruth to be given a “˜push’ in the right direction (women are pretty good at that).
Godly wisdom is in tune with God’s ways; and watch God’s plans unfold.
Naomi gave Ruth specific instructions for the night of the festivities at the end of barley harvest:
(NASB) Ruth 3:3 “Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
***Naomi had thought through the plan she proposed to Ruth. Preparation is important when a plan is implemented. Wise planning considers others and the best timing in putting the plan into action.
Do you plan wisely or do you plot to get your way? Notice that Naomi did not plot or manipulate Boaz…she would leave the decisions up to him.
(NASB) Ruth 3:4 “It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”
Godly wisdom does not manipulate others.
Ruth trusted Naomi and took the next step. Ruth had already attracted Boaz’ attention, they already had conversations, he had already provided protection and abundant provision of grain.
Scripture does not say anything about Ruth and Boaz’ attraction for one another…but it is certainly a distinct possibility.
Ruth obeyed her mother-in-law’s advice, she listened to wise counsel and wisely consented.
(NASB) Ruth 3:5 “She said to her, “˜All that you say I will do.'”
***What courage Ruth exhibited. Courage comes in many forms. Did Naomi or Ruth have any idea of God’s far-reaching plans? I don’t think so ~ they just did the next thing.
Prayerful plans put trust in God for the next thing to do.
What plans do you need to trust God for in your life?
