1. Naomi had a relative on her husband's side of the family. Her husband's name was Elimelech. The relative's name was Boaz. He was a very important man.
2. Ruth, who was from Moab, spoke to Naomi. She said, "Let me go out to the fields. I'll pick up the grain that has been left. I'll do it behind anyone who is pleased with me." Naomi said to her, "My daughter, go ahead."
3. So Ruth went out and began to pick up grain. She worked in the fields behind those who were cutting and gathering the grain. As it turned out, she was working in a field that belonged to Boaz. He was from the family of Elimelech.
4. Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem. He greeted those who were cutting and gathering the grain. He said, "May the Lord be with you!" "And may the Lord bless you!" they replied.
5. Boaz spoke to the man who was in charge of his workers. He asked, "Who is that young woman?"
6. The man replied, "She's from Moab. She came back from there with Naomi.
7. She said, 'Please let me walk behind the workers. Let me pick up the grain that is left.' Then she went into the field. She has kept on working there from morning until now. She took only one short rest in the shade."