April 9, 2026

Business by the Book

Ruth 3:18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

Create a reputation for keeping your word, Boaz did. The above is a quote from Naomi. This lady was the mother of Ruth’s deceased husband (Mahlon). Naomi knew that Boaz would keep his word, and as is revealed in Scripture he did. Boaz kept his word. This is how a reputation for keeping ones word is earned, by keeping ones word.

There are those who want to be seen as a person who keeps their word, but they don’t keep their word. They talk and talk incessantly about the reasons why they have not kept their promises, as if the fault always lies with another. Yet the fault is theirs. They either should not have given their word, or they should keep their word. If the actions of others can so easily prohibit a person from doing whatever it is they promise to do, they simply shouldn’t promise to do it. We live in a day and age in which keeping ones word seems to be done only if it is convenient or beneficial to the one making the promise. Sadly this one trait derails many promising careers and testimonies.

There are two verses in Scripture that show both sides of this issue. Proverbs 25:19 says, Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. This is the person who has not learned to keep his word. And Psalm 15:4 speaking of an honorable man: …He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. This is the man who keeps his word even in light of great costs.

Naomi knew that, once given, Boaz would keep his word. Do people know that about you? A man that I know who owns a business recently told me that to him “Truth is currency.”  When someone is honest with him their net worth increases in his estimation. When someone misleads him their bank account of good will with him decreases. Some have a large account and they are given leeway if needed. Others are overdrawn and to them the bank is closed. It was a very interesting conversation and once again proved to me the importance of keeping one’s word.

Dr. William Howe