How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying?" (NRSV 1:11-13)
Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? (KJV 1:11-13)
Naomi is being realistic here in her humility. She recognizes the desperate situation she's in and how little she has to offer her daughters-in-law. That shows that in tough times, humility can really just be a matter of practicality. If these women don't listen to her, she'll be traveling around saddled with two single ladies and nothing to show for it.
Quote #2
"[Ruth] said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment." (NRSV 2:7)
[Ruth] said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now. (KJV 2:7)
Ruth ain't too proud to glean. And if we may say so, she's pretty awesome at it. At this point, her humility and willingness to do the tough work may also just all be part of Ruth and Naomi's Master Plan to Find a Hubby. If she appears humble and hardworking, what man wouldn't want her?
Quote #3
[Ruth] fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?" (NRSV 2:10)
[Ruth] fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? (KJV 2:10)
Classic Ruth move. The girl is so humbled by Boaz's kindness that she falls to the floor. Why would he take notice of a little ol' foreigner like her? Of course, by further humbling herself, she's sure to win herself even more affection. Boaz likes his women that way.