A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
The same word “noble character” is used in Ruth 3:11, “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.”
Ruth’s character: 1. She had a true love and concern for mother in-law (sacrifice of leaving her country and embarking on a journey with Naomi. (70 miles=112 km, implies a strong woman)
2. hardworking (provides for her and her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:7, she came into the field and has remained here from morning till now except for a short rest in the shelter).
Ruth possessed the quality of Proverbs 12:4a.
Husband’s crown(worn by Queen, athletes): She brings honor personally and publicly to the husband. The husband is proud of her. She does not bring shame to her husband.
Crown: For Jews, it was a symbol of joy and gladness (Song of Songs 3:11)
Proverbs 12:4b.: Not just disgraceful but a disease, continual disease
Decay in the bones: Targum (Syriac, Septuagint, Arabic versions), “Worm in the wood,” like Jezebel (she influenced the children of Israel to worship other gods (Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 16:31-33)) and also because of her devious advice, Naboth was murdered (1 Kings 21).
A Contrast:
Ruth: Because of Ruth’s noble character, the line of Boaz was blessed. The line of King David and the Messiah (Jesus) came through her (Ruth 4:22).
Jezebel: Because of Jezebel’s character, the line of Ahab was cursed by God (1 Kings 21:21)
