The answer is: She had looked after Naomi

Ruth 2:10-11

Ruth slipping into Boaz's field wasn’t just an ordinary job search; it was akin to finding favor in the eyes of someone kind-hearted. The act of gleaning, which was about picking up leftover grains after harvesters had done their work, had deep roots in Hebrew law (Leviticus 19:9-10). This practice wasn’t just an act of frugality; it was designed to care for the poor and the marginalized, fulfilling a foundational ethical law.

Now, let’s backtrack a bit. Naomi and Ruth were in a perilous situation, clinging to hope in a new land after losing their husbands. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi wasn’t an everyday loyalty—it was radical. History shows that her words to Naomi ("your people will be my people, and your God my God") rewritten norm fairy tale scripts where new worlds were discovered through bravery, love, and a deep commitment to family.

By allowing Ruth to glean, Boaz makes a small choice that has massive implications—it signifies not just acceptance of Ruth but the unique ties between social justice and kindness. Furthermore, some fun trivia: In an ironic twist, Boaz’s mother was Rahab, a woman of faith who started in a very different societal position! Their connection highlights God's overarching theme of redemption across generations and reminds us that anyone, regardless of their past, can rise to greatness through acts of faith and loyalty. Boaz becomes a symbol of this unfolding redemption story.