One of the popular sports where there is no referee or umpire watching for infraction of the rules is golf. If a player touches the ball and it moves, it is counted as a stroke. Golf is unique in that the players themselves will “˜report’ themselves when a rule has been broken. Such is the integrity of the game, and for the most part, professionals and amateurs who enjoy this game are honest.
Boaz was such a man. He was an honest man. His honesty is a godly trait and his honesty was straightforward. People knew where they stood with him, he said what needed to be said and I believe he did it with kindness.
Integrity is honesty in action.
(NASB) Ruth 3:12 “Now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.”
***By using half-truths Boaz could have married Ruth and gained a wife and an inheritance, but he knew a closer family member who should have the opportunity first.
Notice Boaz’ integrity! He and Ruth had already had times of talking together during the harvest; they were not strangers to each other. He had already provided protection for her during the harvest and he had an admiration for her (for her relationship with Naomi, her mother-in-law).
Boaz spoke truth without being harsh or uncaring. Godly truths are based on God and His laws. Boaz did not try to “˜finagle’ to make Ruth his responsibility.
Half-truths are lies…they are cover-ups for the truth.
Consider people who tell half-truths:
1- Others do not know they are lying – when they are
2- The half-truth teller only thinks they are deceiving others – when they are not (their lies will be found out)
3- The half-truth tellers are filled with self-pity and want sympathy so they lie (others will catch on at some point and friendships are ruined and maybe lost)
4- The half-truth tellers believes that they are without fault and blame others for their problems (they deceive themselves as they try to deceive others)
5- The sin of omitting information can be a half-truth also.
Integrity and half-truths cannot stand side by side.
(NASB) Ruth 3:13 “Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.”
***Boaz did the right thing, he would do everything decently and in order, no matter if it would not be what he really wanted. Boaz was willing for Ruth to be his wife, but he did not hesitate in doing what was right.
Where do you need to “˜do the right thing’ even if it means the results may not be your to your liking?
