Ruth 3:15-17

Six measures of barley.

Exact reckonings of mercies

1. True virtue or grace makes persons universally good. Boaz was a gracious or virtuous man. He is good in his charity as well as in his chastity: he adds one grace to another (2 Peter 1:5).

2. God’s blessings bestowed on us should be received by us in an exact reckoning: we should receive them by number, weight and measure; and to behold the quantity of them is an excellent way to get a thankful heart (Psalms 116:12).

3. As charity is no churl, so neither must it be blind or extravagant. His liberality is not lavish in laying out God’s blessings, but he giveth in judgment with discretion, not without consideration. Prudence is the general guide and universal mistress in all acts and exercises of virtue (Psalms 112:5).

4. As Boaz, so much more our God never sends home true suitors empty. He giveth, and He giveth liberally--He giveth grace, He giveth more grace (James 4:6). Every Sabbath, and sermon or sacrament, Christ cries to us, as Boaz to Ruth, “Bring hither thy vail, that I may fill it.” Faith is the receiving grace. God proportions His performing to our believing: as thou believest so be it unto thee (Matthew 8:13). (C. Ness.)