In a world where relationships are increasingly defined by convenience and personal benefit, the idea of finding a truly loyal woman can feel like looking for a pearl in the depths of the sea. But the Word of God gives us enduring hope and guidance. One of the clearest pictures of loyalty in a godly woman is found in the biblical account of Ruth. Her story is not merely a romantic tale—it is a living testimony to the kind of covenantal, steadfast love that reflects the very heart of God.
As a man seeking a future wife who exemplifies Christlike loyalty, I am drawn to Ruth’s life as a model. Ruth was loyal to her deceased husband’s family, to her mother-in-law Naomi, and ultimately to her future husband Boaz. In every phase of her story, we see her embody the qualities of a faithful, trustworthy, and godly woman—qualities that I long to find in my own future wife.
Let’s walk through Ruth’s loyalty and see how she stood in contrast to modern red flags, and how she models what godly loyalty looks like in action.
Ruth Was Loyal to Her Husband Even in Death
Ruth’s story begins with tragedy. Her husband had died, and with him, the apparent security of her future. According to worldly wisdom, Ruth should have returned to her family, remarried in Moab, and moved on. But she didn’t. Instead, she honored her late husband by staying with Naomi, his mother, who was now a destitute widow.
This shows us something crucial: Ruth’s loyalty wasn’t based on what she could get. It was covenantal, not contractual. She did not abandon her commitment when it became inconvenient.
Red Flag Avoided: Quick to run when things are hard or when conflict arises.
Ruth stayed.
She clung to Naomi and the God of Israel with the famous words: “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
This is loyalty in its purest form—one that does not forsake when loss or hardship arises. That’s the kind of loyalty I desire to find in a woman: one who sees love as a covenant, even when life takes an unexpected turn.
Ruth Was Loyal to Naomi – Her Mother-in-Law
Ruth didn’t just stay with Naomi; she actively served and cared for her. She moved to a foreign land with no promise of protection, income, or status—simply because she loved and honored her family. Ruth worked in the fields to provide food for Naomi and did so without complaint or entitlement.
Red Flag Avoided: Withholding emotional support or affection when it’s inconvenient.
Ruth went out to glean in the fields not for her own benefit but for the well-being of her aging and bitter mother-in-law. When Naomi sank into despair, Ruth remained a steady presence—not preaching, not correcting, just faithful.
That kind of loyalty reveals a woman who has emotional resilience, compassion, and strength—all rooted in her commitment to others.
Ruth Was Loyal to Boaz Before They Were Married
What’s most stunning is that Ruth honored Boaz before there was any promise of marriage. When she approached him on the threshing floor (a culturally appropriate sign of interest in that day), she did so with humility, purity, and intention. There was no manipulation, no game-playing. She wasn’t chasing attention from other men.
Red Flag Avoided: Flirting or keeping close relationships with other men in secret.
Red Flag Avoided: Playing games or keeping options open.
Ruth’s actions reflected a woman who walked with integrity even when no one was watching. She guarded her reputation and maintained boundaries. She trusted God’s timing and honored Boaz as a man of worth.
That kind of woman is rare. She does not see relationships as a ladder to climb or a marketplace to sample. She sees marriage as a sacred union to be entered with prayer, patience, and discernment.
Ruth Spoke Honorably and Acted With Integrity
In every conversation recorded in the book of Ruth, she speaks with humility, honor, and grace. She listens well. She does not gossip, and she does not demean others to lift herself up. When she speaks to Naomi, the field workers, and Boaz, she is respectful and dignified.
Red Flag Avoided: Speaking critically of you to others without attempting resolution.
Ruth would not have been one to vent her frustrations on social media or tear down others with sarcasm. She dealt with life’s challenges with wisdom and grace, and she always upheld the dignity of the people around her.
What Loyalty Looks Like in a Godly Woman – Embodied by Ruth
Let’s revisit the traits of a loyal woman through the lens of Ruth:
1. Faithful to God First
Ruth turned from the gods of Moab and followed the Lord of Israel. Her loyalty to Naomi was ultimately rooted in her submission to God. She began every relationship by anchoring herself to the Lord.
2. Faithful to Her Future Husband
Before the wedding vows were ever exchanged, Ruth demonstrated the qualities of a faithful wife. She guarded her heart, protected Boaz’s integrity, and acted in accordance with righteousness.
3. Defends the Relationship
When others left, Ruth stayed. When Naomi was bitter, Ruth loved. When there was no clear path forward, Ruth walked in faith. She was not passive about her commitments.
4. Integrity When Alone
What Ruth did in the shadows of gleaning fields and in quiet conversations was consistent with what she did in public. She lived a life of transparency and integrity.
5. She Builds, Not Undermines
Ruth’s presence in Naomi’s life restored hope. Her union with Boaz brought redemption. She is not a woman who tears down—she builds legacy.
The Kind of Woman I’m Waiting For
As a man preparing my heart for marriage, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for Ruth-like loyalty:
- A woman who fears God above all
- A woman who does not run from difficulty
- A woman who guards her heart and speech
- A woman who honors covenant over convenience
- A woman who is consistent, faithful, and kind
I don’t need someone to perform. I need someone who will be faithful in the field when no one’s watching. Who will love when it’s hard. Who will stay when others leave.
I am praying that God is preparing a Ruth-hearted woman even now—one whose loyalty is not just romantic, but spiritual, moral, and enduring.
And I am preparing myself to be a Boaz—worthy of such a woman.
So to the young men reading: Look for loyalty not in public displays but in private decisions. And to the young women: Let Ruth be your model, not the influencers of the age.
God is still writing love stories that are built to last—and they begin with loyalty.
“May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” — Ruth 2:12
Reformed Faith Insights 