1. Naomi had a relative named Boaz, a rich and influential man who belonged to the family of her husband Elimelech.
2. One day Ruth said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields to gather the corn that the harvest workers leave. I am sure to find someone who will let me work with him.”Naomi answered, “Go ahead, my daughter.”
3. So Ruth went out to the fields and walked behind the workers, picking up the corn which they left. It so happened that she was in a field that belonged to Boaz.
4. Some time later Boaz himself arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the workers. “The Lord be with you!” he said.“The Lord bless you!” they answered.
5. Boaz asked the man in charge, “Who is that young woman?”
6. The man answered, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi.
7. She asked me to let her follow the workers and pick up the corn. She has been working since early morning and has just now stopped to rest for a while under the shelter.”
8. Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Let me give you some advice. Don't pick up corn anywhere except in this field. Work with the women here;