Ruth...4...reputation...

 Ruth...4...reputation...

Almost everyday, there is a post on the neighborhood posting site asking for  information on a service/business who do good work in this or that...it is soon followed by a favorable account of people, businesses that have a good report...a few “do not use stories” as well... 

With many receipts from businesses, there is included a website to tell how the service was or was not...when I take online classes, I get surveys for how well the instructor taught...

And just lately, I had the privilege to take surveys on various doctors and medical services that I was a part of...

Reputation...it can make a break or break...trust or not trust...

So finding Ruth out in the field gleaning, working for her and Naomi’s daily bread and maybe some future sustenance...back breaking stooping, gathering from early morning to dusk, then threshing it to eat...day after day...probably feeling a bit shy in new company, a new country, but willing to work...

When the owner of the field asks about her and then speaks to her....her reputation has gone before her and speaks well of her...

Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband —how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. ”

Ruth 2:11-12 

Boaz blesses her with food, with safety amongst his workers...and eventually becomes her husband...her redeemer...father of her children...spoken of in the list of generations of  King David and down to Jesus, the Messiah...

Oh, for a good reputation ...

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.

Job 4:3-4

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

1 Timothy 3:11

For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

Psalm 52:9 

Thank YOU ....your name is above all...