Ruth 3 (Listen)

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

1 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”

14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” 18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”

(ESV)

Proverbs 29 (Listen)

1   He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3   He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4   By justice a king builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5   A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads a net for his feet.
6   An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7   A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8   Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.
9   If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10   Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.
11   A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12   If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
13   The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
    the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14   If a king faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.
15   The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16   When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17   Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
18   Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
    but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19   By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
20   Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21   Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
    will in the end find him his heir.
22   A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23   One’s pride will bring him low,
    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24   The partner of a thief hates his own life;
    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25   The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
26   Many seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

(ESV)

Psalm 150 (Listen)

Let Everything Praise the Lord

1   Praise the LORD!
  Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2   Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3   Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4   Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5   Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6   Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
  Praise the LORD!

(ESV)