29 “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy. 31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

9 He said, “Who are you?” She replied, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your cloak over your servant,³² for you are a guardian of the family interests.” 10 He said, “May you be rewarded by the Lord, my dear! This act of devotion is greater than what you did before. For you have not sought to marry one of the young men, whether rich or poor. 11 Now, my dear, don’t worry! I intend to do for you everything you propose, for everyone at the town gate⁴² knows that you are a woman of noble character.⁴³ 12 Now yes, it is true that I am a guardian, but there is another guardian who is a closer relative than I am. 13 Remain here tonight. Then in the morning, if he agrees to marry you, fine, let him do so. But if he does not want to do so, I promise, as surely as the Lord lives, to marry you. Sleep here until morning.”