Then She Rose Up to Glean

Now Ruth was satisfied and had received spiritual strength. When Israel was in the desert, they sat down to eat and rose up to play. Some people also lie down to sleep after they are satisfied. But Ruth was a sensible woman; she rose up to glean.

The one who plays around devours his strength with playing, and the one who sleeps is filled with dreams. None of it bears any fruit. Ruth used her strength in another way. How full of the wisdom of God you were, Ruth! It is the fathers’ business to gather for the children. The mouth of the righteous feeds many. He who diligently gleans in God’s field has much to give away. Many people are nourished at his table. Souls are raised for the kingdom of God and become an eternal inheritance for the one who begets them and feeds them. The spirit in the gospel is to serve and to give. “I do everything for the gospel’s sake, that I may also partake of it.” 1 Cor. 9:23. Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Whatever you receive from God, you receive it as an eternal possession by giving it away. Whatever you do not give away can be compared to the talent that was buried in the ground. It becomes unfruitful because it was not administered according to the laws of wisdom.