Exact Reckonings of Mercies
Ruth 3:15-17
Also he said, Bring the veil that you have on you, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley…


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 (Psalm 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 (Psalm 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.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

WEB: He said, "Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it." She held it; and he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid it on her; and he went into the city.




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