Gleaning Grace: 5-Day Bible Study from the Book of Ruth
In this free 5-day Bible study, modern women can learn how to model the characteristics of Ruth in daily life.
It really is the stuff of romance novels. A widow from a pagan land. A nighttime rendezvous. A lovely proposal. And a shoe.
Okay, maybe the shoe part isn’t romantic, but the story of Ruth in the Old Testament is a beautiful and inspiring tale.
Throughout her story, Ruth displayed the character traits of faith, hard work, kindness, virtue and perseverance.
But how can modern Christian women relate to Ruth’s situation? What can we learn from Ruth’s characteristics to inspire our lives today?
You and I don’t live in ancient Israel, so we can’t relate to parts of Ruth’s life. But every one of us can relate to facing difficult circumstances in life. Reading the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi can encourage us to trust God with every part of our lives.
In this 5-day Bible study, we’ll look at Ruth’s life and the principles she lived by. Then, we’ll see how we can apply these principles to our lives.
Following Ruth’s example may not lead us to a threshing floor, but it will help us to see God’s grace on display in every part of our lives.
How to Use This Free Ruth Bible Study
This Ruth Bible study is free for you to read and use! Simply bookmark this page and come back to it every day for 5 days to read each devotional entry. You can use the index at the top of this post to scroll instantly to that day’s reading.
Every day includes a Scripture passage to read, focus Bible verse and discussion questions. You can use it for your own personal use, or for a group study.
If you’d rather have a printable version, you can get it here.
The Story of Ruth
The book of Ruth is a little book in God’s Word–only four chapters long. It happened during the time of the judges in the Old Testament. But this powerful story is an amazing example of faithfulness, love, and grace.
Ruth’s story begins in the town of Bethlehem, far from her homeland of Moab. A man named Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and traveled to Moab., because there was a famine in the land of Israel.
The Bible says they went there to “sojourn” which means their stay was supposed to be temporary. However, Elimelech never returned to the land of Israel again. He died in Moab. Naomi found wives for her sons in that foreign land, and they lived there together for ten years.
But her heartache wasn’t finished. Naomi’s sons both died, leaving her a childless widow far from Bethlehem. She was determined to return to her homeland, along with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.
Return to Bethlehem
As they traveled, Naomi realized she was being selfish to take the two young women from their families. She told them to return to the land of Moab, and she would go on alone. They wept and grieved, but Orpah eventually agreed to return to her own family and her false gods.
Ruth refused to return. Instead, she told Naomi she would never leave her.
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16-17
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, it was harvest time and Ruth went to work gleaning barley and corn. She soon arrived at the fields of Boaz. Boaz was a rich man, and a close relative of Elimelech.
He noticed Ruth and showed grace to the young widow. He told his workers to drop handfuls on purpose for her to pick up.
The Threshing Floor
Ruth gleaned in Boaz’s field until the end of the wheat harvest. When it came time for the harvest to be threshed, Naomi came up with a plan. She could see that Boaz loved Ruth, but he would assume Ruth would choose a younger man to be her husband.
Naomi instructed Ruth to go to the threshing floor and to notice where Boaz lay down to sleep. Then, she was to go and lay down at his feet.
When he awoke and saw her there, he was startled. When he learned it was Ruth, and that she had come to ask him to be her kinsman redeemer (she basically proposed to him right there–you go, girl!), Boaz was delighted!
He told Ruth he would gladly redeem her and marry her, but there was one man who stood in the way. While he was a close relative, there was a closer relative.
He would have the first opportunity to marry Ruth and take possession of her husband’s property.
A Shoe and a Son
At dawn, Boaz filled Ruth’s shawl with barley and sent her back to her home. As soon as the day began, he went to the city gate and waited, searching the crowds for the man who would have the first option to marry Ruth.
The Bible doesn’t tell us the other man’s name, just that he was a male relative of Naomi’s husband.
Boaz offered him the opportunity to redeem Elimelech’s property. According to Old Testament law, a close family member could marry a young widow to continue the family line. He would also receive her husband’s property as his own.
Since Ruth was a Moabite woman, the man did not want to “mar his own inheritance” by marrying her.
As a sign that he was choosing not to redeem the property and marry Ruth, the kinsman took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz. Now, Boaz was free to marry the woman he loved.
Ruth’s story ends with a wedding and the birth of a son–Obed. Of course, Obed grew up to become the grandfather of King David. God’s Word tells us that this Moabite woman received a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Free Ruth Bible Study
Ruth’s story is an amazing and beautiful love story! It’s enough to make even modern-day women swoon a little. But her story is more than just a love story. It is an excellent example of God’s grace, love, and faithfulness, even when we fail Him.
We can learn from Ruth’s example as a woman of great character and follow God’s plan for our lives–even if it seems as if things will never turn out right.
Day 1: Faithfulness
Read: Ruth 1
Focus: Ruth 1:16-17
The first characteristic we see in the story is Ruth’s faithfulness and devotion. In fact, it’s so legendary, that her words in Ruth 1:16-17 are often used in wedding ceremonies even today.
Ruth was not a part of the nation of Israel, except through marriage. After the loss of her husband, she could have chosen to remain in her own land along with her sister-in-law Orpah. No one would’ve blamed her.
It would seem from the story that she was still a young woman. She could’ve remarried in her homeland and raised her children to follow the false gods of Molech.
Staying with her family and home was the obvious, easy choice. But Ruth wanted more. She wanted to follow the God of Israel.
Somehow in the ten years that passed from the time that Naomi arrived in Moab until she returned to Bethlehem, Ruth had dedicated herself to serving her new family and their God. Even after the death of her husband, she chose to remain faithful.
It was not common for a Moabite woman to convert to the Jewish faith. But Ruth was committed to serving the true God in this new land.
God is still looking today for strong women who will follow Ruth’s example and serve Him faithfully.
Living a Life of Faith
Our modern world is pretty wishy-washy. People often break their word, give up when things get tough, or turn their back on God.
As Christian women, we can make a difference when we commit to following God faithfully, no matter what happens.
We can keep loving, giving and serving, even when it seems that we aren’t making a difference. You never know when your faithfulness will open a door you never expected!
Discussion Questions:
- Ruth chose to leave her homeland and follow the God of Israel, even when it meant uncertainty and hardship. How do you respond when God calls you to step into the unknown or make a difficult decision? How can you be faithful in those hard times?
- In today’s culture, it’s common to give up when things get tough or when results aren’t immediately seen. How can you live out a faith that persists and remains steady, even when you feel unnoticed or discouraged?
- Ruth’s faithfulness not only changed her life but played a key role in God’s larger plan. How can your everyday acts of devotion and obedience to God impact those around you? Can you think of a time when your commitment to God opened unexpected doors?
Day 2: Hard Work
Read: Ruth 2
Focus: Ruth 2:11-12
After losing her husband, leaving her homeland, and traveling to the little town so far from her home, I bet Ruth wanted to relax and chill for a few weeks. But instead of wallowing in self-pity (like I probably would) she headed out to Boaz’s field and got right to work.
Boaz’s workers told him that she had been working all day, only taking a short break.
And she did hard work. Gleaning involved picking up the barley, corn, or wheat that the harvesters had missed.
She probably wasn’t picking up a lot of grain (until Boaz made sure his workers dropped extra for her–what a gentleman!). But she kept going.
When Boaz saw her, he recognized her great character and hard work. She asked him, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes…seeing I am a stranger?”
Boaz answered, “It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband…The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”
Her hard work won the respect of one of the most wealthy and powerful men in the city.
Living a Life of Hard Work
Being a modern woman of God involves working hard. We see in Proverbs 31 that a virtuous woman isn’t lazy, but she works hard to serve her husband and family.
Just like Ruth, you and I can serve God by serving those around us. While serving at home is exhausting, and sometimes feels like invisible work, it is important.
Ruth’s story is proof that God values a strong work ethic.
Discussion Questions:
- Ruth didn’t let her difficult circumstances keep her from working hard and serving her family. How can you stay motivated to work hard when life is challenging or when the tasks you’re doing feel thankless or unnoticed?
- Boaz noticed Ruth’s work ethic and character. How does your approach to work—whether at home, in your career, or in ministry—reflect your faith and trust in God? How can you determine to work hard, even if no one acknowledges what you do?
- Boaz acknowledges that Ruth’s hard work and commitment didn’t go unnoticed by God. How does knowing that God values and rewards hard work impact your perspective on daily responsibilities or challenging seasons of life? How do you see God’s hand at work through your efforts?
Day 3: Kindness
Read: Ruth 3:1-13
Focus: Ruth 3:10
Even though Ruth was a stranger, and had only been in Bethlehem for a short time, people thought highly of her.
They could see the sacrifices she had made for her mother-in-law. She had worked hard and served faithfully throughout the barley harvest.
When Boaz realized that Ruth was lying at his feet and that she wanted him to redeem her, he was honored.
He said that she had been more kind to him than she had been to Naomi.
Boaz thought she should’ve chosen to marry a younger man. He had seen her great kindness, hard work, and loyalty, but he never thought she would love and choose him.
It’s possible that Boaz knew what it was like to be treated as a stranger. His mother was Rahab, the harlot who rescued the spies in the land of Jericho.
His mother had given him an example of great character, of turning from false gods the one, true God.
Boaz had come to respect Ruth, and possibly love her. Her kindness won his heart, and he would now do what was necessary to win her hand in marriage.
Living a Life of Kindness
In our current cancel culture, a woman who is kind and loyal is hard to come by! Women who are fake and inst-famous are a dime a dozen anymore. But a kind-hearted woman is a treasure to her husband and family.
We live so much of our lives online, we tend to forget that words and actions still matter. Words that are typed on a screen don’t seem the same as spoken words. So many people “speak” with a keyboard ugly words they would never say out loud.
Kindness still counts, and just a little bit can go a long way in a world that’s often full of cruelty.
Discussion Questions:
- Ruth’s kindness, loyalty, and hard work were evident to those around her, even though she was new to Bethlehem. How do you show kindness and loyalty in your relationships? Are there specific areas in your life where God is calling you to be more intentional with these qualities?
- Boaz was honored by Ruth’s actions and kindness, even though he didn’t expect her to choose him. How does this reflect the importance of valuing character over appearance or status? In what ways can we, as women, focus on developing inner qualities that reflect God’s love?
- Ruth’s kindness stood out to Boaz. In today’s culture, kindness is often overlooked or undervalued. How can you intentionally live out kindness in a world that can be harsh or unforgiving, especially when interacting online or in difficult situations? What are some practical ways to demonstrate kindness to others?
Day 4: Virtue
Read: Ruth 3:11-4:8
Focus: Ruth 3:11
When Boaz woke to find Ruth lying at his feet he said, “All the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” In other words, her character had shown through, and everyone knew she was a good, kind woman.
This was so unusual for the time. Moabites and Israelites were not friends. The people of Moab worshipped the false god Molech. They offered their children as sacrifices to him.
Human sacrifice is an abomination in the eyes of God, so the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites.
Yet, somehow, this pagan came into their community and became a woman of virtue.
Boaz was a man of great power and influence in the community. Previous chapters show that he was a property owner with many servants working for him. He was respected and honored.
One man was a closer kinsman redeemer to Naomi than Boaz. As such, he had the first opportunity to buy Elimelech’s property. When he discovered that he would also have to marry Ruth, he declined. His words were, “lest I mar mine own inheritance.”
It seems that Boaz probably knew this would be the result, and he was happy to step in and redeem the land and marry Ruth.
At the time, when two men made a deal, one took off his shoe and gave it to the other. So, Boaz took the man’s shoe and agreed to take the Moabitess as his wife.
Living a Life of Virtue
Our modern world is sorely lacking in morality. We live in an “anything goes” society that tells everyone to do what feels good.
But God’s Word hasn’t changed. He still calls His children to live a life that stands out. He calls to live to a higher standard of obedience and sacrifice. Others should recognize that we are different.
We should display characteristics of kindness, hard work, and faithfulness like Ruth. When a woman is virtuous, others will see and her actions and attitudes will bring glory to God.
Day 5: Perseverance
Read: Ruth 4:9-22
Focus: Ruth 4:15
Ruth faced so much adversity in her life. Her husband died, and she left her family and the land of Moab, including her false gods.
She traveled to a foreign land where her people were hated. Ruth and her mother-in-law were so poor, she had to glean what others dropped just so they could eat.
It would’ve been easy for her to give up and let someone else take care of her. But she picked herself up and went to work.
Day after day, she persevered. She worked in the fields and cared for Naomi. She learned new skills and traditions.
Life in Israel was far different from that in Moab. But she was determined to keep going. And in the end, her hard work payed off.
We read in the final verses of this chapter that her son’s name was Obed. Obed had a son named Jesse. And of course, Jesse was the father of David, the most famous king in Israel’s history, and a forefather of Jesus.
Yes, this woman who was born in Moab and began her life serving false gods found herself in the lineage of the Messiah.
And think of this: if Ruth had not gone out to work in the field of Boaz, we would not even have this little story stuck right there in the Old Testament to encourage and inspire our faith today!
Living a Life of Perseverance
Ruth never gave up. You and I shouldn’t either. We may face things that are far more difficult than Ruth faced. Or we may never face the harsh things she dealt with.
No matter what difficult times we go through in life, God’s grace is always sufficient for us. We can cling to God’s Word and His promise that He is working things out for our good.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We don’t need to see the ending to know that God is working for us. We just need to keep going and trusting God’s grace and goodness.
Discussion Questions:
- Ruth faced many hardships, yet she never gave up. In your own life, how do you find the strength to keep going when things seem overwhelming or difficult? How can faith help you persevere through challenges?
- Ruth’s perseverance led to her being part of the lineage of Jesus, showing how God was working through her circumstances. How does this encourage you to trust that God is working in your life, even when you can’t see the outcome? Can you think of a time when God’s plan became clearer to you after a season of perseverance?
- Ruth could have given up at any point, but she chose to work hard and trust God’s provision. How can you cultivate that same spirit of determination and faith in your life? What are some practical ways you can continue trusting in God’s goodness, even when you face obstacles or uncertainty?
Lessons from Ruth
From the first chapter all the way to the end, we see that God’s grace is the major theme of Ruth’s story. The moral of the story of Ruth is that God’s plan for your life is far above anything you could imagine for yourself. You only need to trust His plan.
We can see God’s grace shining through Ruth’s story. It was His grace that brought her out of her own land, away from her own people, placed her in Bethlehem, and made her the many-times-great-grandmother of Jesus.
It is God’s grace that saved us from our sins and put us into His family forever. Sometimes we get so caught up in the mundane parts of life, we forget the beauty of God’s grace playing out in our stories.
When Ruth’s husband died, and she left all that she knew to follow her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, she could not have guessed how her life would play out. But her strong faith, perseverance and courage wouldn’t let her give up.
It was her character that led her to remain faithful and work hard. And it was her character that led her into a brand new life. Ruth thought she was going out to gather some grain, and ended up marrying a great and powerful man in the nation of Israel.
You can follow her example and be committed to faith in God. Even in the modern world you can work hard and persevere. You never know when God will use the seemingly mundane things in your life to lead you to something greater than you ever expected.
Be like Ruth. Don’t ever give up, even when it seems like good things aren’t happening. You never know what God has waiting for you when you live daily in God’s grace and goodness.
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