Ruth 3:14-18 Dating Lessons from Ruth and Boaz CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

We find some great practical truths in this passage that we call dating lessons from Ruth and Boaz.  You would be wise to observe these if you aren’t married and to teach these to your children if you are.

While they dated: 

They didn’t sleep together – v.14 – 1 Cor 7:1-2, 1 Cor 6:16, Heb 13:4 – they understood that the marriage should take place before the physical pleasures.

They protected their testimony – v.14 – 1 Thes 5:22 – they didn’t even take any chances that others might suppose they had done something wrong.

He honored her and her “mother” with gifts – v.15, 17 – 1 Pet 3:7-8 – he gave her something that was very helpful to her and her mother-in-law and in so doing he honored her.
You have to remember that the woman you hope to marry is someone else’s daughter and has been for all of her life.

She spoke honestly with her “mother” – v.16 – 2 Cor 8:21 – she didn’t do anything that she had to hide from her “mother” and she included her in the developments of their relationship.  Remember that daughters often discuss “everything” with mom!

They were patient – v.18 – Ps 27:14, Naomi told Ruth to “sit still.”  Oftentimes, a girl pushes a friendship into a romance because that is what she wants.  However, remember that what you want may not be what God wants.

She left the decision of marriage to him – v.18 – 1 Cor 11:3 – of course, in this history, Boaz had to notify the nearer of kin of his rights and duties and then he could marry Ruth.  Nevertheless, she had to wait for him to make the decision.  It is wise to get used to being in submission to your spiritual head.