Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, “May the Lord be with you.” And they said to him, “May the Lord bless you.” Ruth 2:4

Boaz. What a man. What an employer. His first words of the morning were not orders or corrections, but a blessing. “The Lord be with you.” He didn’t stride into the fields to check progress or assert control. He came speaking peace, the kind of peace that flows from a man who walks with God. His words revealed something deeper than good manners; they revealed spiritual leadership that shaped the atmosphere of his workplace.

And the workers’ reply? “The Lord bless you.” That kind of response cannot be forced. They didn’t murmur or pretend to respect him. Their words came freely, from genuine affection and trust. Boaz had lived among them with integrity. His blessing carried weight because his life backed it up.

We all know what it feels like when someone’s words don’t match their character — when they offer prayers or advice that feel hollow, detached, or self-serving. Even when the words are true, the heart behind them is not. Their gestures are hollow, seeming more self-serving than sacrificial. Authenticity matters. 

This passage challenges me deeply. Before I speak a word of encouragement or correction, I must ask: Have I earned the right to be heard? Have I built credibility through love, consistency, and prayer? If not, my words may fall like seeds on hard soil. But if trust has been cultivated, blessing will take root.

The old adage is right: Build the bridge of friendship strong enough to support the truth. Boaz had built that bridge ~ plank by plank, through fairness, humility, and faith. His greeting wasn’t a performance; it was an overflow.

Reveal any part of me that is hypocritical. Let my speech carry the quiet authority that comes from a pure heart and a consistent walk with You. Amen.