April 3, 2026

Business by the Book

Ruth 2:16  And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. 

Generosity, Boaz had it. Not only did Boaz give his workers instructions about their treatment of Ruth, he also taught them to be generous toward her. His allowing her to glean in his field was fulfillment of the Law of Moses (Leviticus 23:22). His protection of her was that which any honorable man would do. But to let fall …handfuls of purpose for her… this was over and above all that Boaz was required or expected to do.

Otto Von Bismarck was once the Chancellor of Germany. Under his leadership a balance of power preserved peace in Europe from 1871 to 1914. He is noted to have loved a certain brand of cigar. He is also noted for saying that the best cigar he ever enjoyed was one that he never smoked.

After winning one of the biggest battles of the Franco-German war, Bismarck took out his last cigar. About the time he was ready to light this cigar he glanced upon a severely wounded soldier who was watching him with longing in his eyes. In the twinkle of an eye, without a word being spoken, Bismarck made the connection; he understood. So, he lit his last cigar and gave it to the wounded soldier. The soldier appeared to enjoy the cigar so much that he forgot about his wound. This led to the seasoned warrior saying, “It was the best cigar I ever had.” *

Politics aside, and the pitfalls of smoking aside, the great Bismarck generously gave a prized possession to someone less fortunate, yet found that in giving he received. In fact, he received much more than he gave. Generosity is what Luke 6:38 is all about: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

What measure is the extent of your generosity?

* Illustration borrowed from 1001 Great Stories “Quotes”, Author: R. Kent Rose, Tyndale House Publishers.

Dr. William Howe