A Blueprint for Godly Manhood
A Blueprint for Godly Manhood: Lessons from Boaz
The Book of Ruth contains one of the most beautiful narratives in the Bible, showcasing God’s redemptive work through ordinary people. At the center of this story stands Boaz, a man whose character and actions provide us with a powerful blueprint for godly manhood. Through his interactions with Ruth, we see a representation—a type—of Christ himself, demonstrating how God’s “hesed” (loyal love, kindness, mercy, and steadfastness) works in human relationships.
Who Was Boaz and Why Does His Story Matter?
Boaz appears in the Book of Ruth during a dark period in Israel’s history—the time of the Judges, when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Against this backdrop of moral chaos, Boaz stands out as a man of integrity and compassion.
The story begins with Naomi returning to Bethlehem after losing her husband and two sons in Moab. With her comes Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law who has pledged loyalty not only to Naomi but also to Naomi’s God: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Naomi describes herself as returning “empty,” having left “full.” She even asks to be called “Mara” (bitter) instead of Naomi (pleasant). But God is about to turn her emptiness to fullness, her sadness to happiness, and her bitterness to joy—through a man named Boaz.
How Did Boaz Honor God Through His Character?
When Boaz first appears in the narrative, his opening words reveal his heart: “The Lord be with you!” he greets his workers, who respond, “The Lord bless you!” (Ruth 2:4). This simple exchange shows us that:
- His faith went beyond religious boundaries
- His relationship with God influenced his business practices
- He wasn’t afraid to publicly acknowledge God
For Boaz, faith wasn’t confined to the synagogue—it permeated every aspect of his life. He exhibited the character of a godly man meant to be an example for others.
This challenges us men today: Does our faith extend beyond the walls of the church? When people encounter us during the week, do they hear words of grace? Are we acting as representatives of Christ in our daily interactions?
None of us is perfect. We all fall short as husbands, fathers, and friends. But our failures shouldn’t discourage us from trying. When we fail, we confess our sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and start again. We never get a pass on striving to live a life that exemplifies godly character.
How Can Men Create Safe Environments Like Boaz Did?
Boaz honors God by providing a safe environment for Ruth, a vulnerable foreign woman. When he notices her gleaning in his field, he takes several significant actions:
- He gives her exclusive rights to his field: “Do not go to glean in another field” (Ruth 2:8)
- He surrounds her with trustworthy people: “Keep close to my young women” (2:8)
- He directs the young men not to touch her (2:9)—perhaps the first workplace anti-harassment policy!
- He provides access to water: “When you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink” (2:9)
Through these actions, Boaz gives Ruth inclusion and dignity. She is no longer an outsider but has been brought in and given protection.
This reflects what God has done for us through Christ. As 1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” We were once foreigners, enemies of God, but through Christ, we’ve been brought into God’s family.
What Does Generous Provision Look Like in a Godly Man?
Boaz’s generosity toward Ruth goes far beyond the minimum requirements of the law:
- He invites her to share meals with his workers: “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine” (Ruth 2:14)
- He shares from his own food: “He passed to her roasted grain” (2:14)
- He ensures she has more than enough: “She ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over” (2:14)
- He instructs his workers to deliberately drop extra grain for her: “Pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean” (2:16)
This abundant provision mirrors how God provides for us in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10 tells us, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him.” In Christ, we have been made complete.
As Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-13, we can learn to be content in any circumstance—whether in plenty or in want—because we “can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
How Does Redemption Work in Godly Relationships?
The climax of Boaz’s story comes when he redeems Ruth lovingly and sacrificially. According to Israelite law, a kinsman-redeemer could buy back property that had belonged to a deceased relative and marry the widow to continue the family line.
Though there was a closer relative who had first rights to redeem Naomi’s property, this man backed out when he learned he would also need to marry Ruth, fearing it would jeopardize his own inheritance.
Boaz, however, willingly takes on this responsibility, publicly declaring before witnesses: “I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech… Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance” (Ruth 4:9-10).
This redemptive act points to Christ, who redeemed us “not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). As Galatians 3:13-14 tells us, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles.”
Through Boaz’s redemption of Ruth, Naomi’s emptiness is turned to fullness as she holds her grandson Obed—who would become the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Life Application: Becoming Men of Character
What can we learn from Boaz’s example? Here are three practical applications:
With our wives:
- Protect them emotionally and spiritually
- Act with compassion and honor
- Remember 1 Peter 3:7: “Live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered”
With our children:
- Provide not just materially but spiritually
- Cultivate an atmosphere of grace and truth
- Follow Ephesians 6:4: “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”
With others in our community:
- Redeem relationships by practicing justice, integrity, and mercy
- Be a force for good beyond the church walls
- Let people see us as peacemakers who act with integrity
Ask yourself:
- Does my faith extend beyond Sunday worship into my daily interactions?
- Am I creating safe environments for those under my care?
- How generously do I provide—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually?
- In what relationships might God be calling me to be a redeemer, bringing healing and restoration?
- Do people see Christ in me through my words and actions?
The story of Boaz challenges us to be men who honor God by reflecting His character, providing safe environments, giving generously, and redeeming relationships. Though we will fall short, we can confess our failures and, through God’s grace, continue striving to be the men God has called us to be.