[b]Avoid Evil and Pray
In Israel, Ruth provided for herself and Naomi by
gathering leftover grain. She chose a field owned
by Boaz, one of Naomi’s distant relatives. Boaz told
Ruth to keep gathering on his land, where she’d be
safe from dangerous men elsewhere. This mirrors
God’s warning to His people against close contact
with those who chose evil: “If you do, you will
follow their evil ways and be trapped” (Exodus
34:12 ). If we can’t avoid harm, though, Jesus said
to “Pray for those who hurt you” (Luke 6:28 ). We
should avoid evil ways, but care about, and pray
for, people who choose evil.[/b]
