Before we dive into the question, what can we learn from Naomi in the Bible, there are many valuable lessons to glean from the book of Ruth.

Several of these lessons stem from the life and journey of a notable woman from Bethlehem called Naomi, who was married to a man named Elimelek.

They shared two sons named Kilion and Mahlon.  

The book of Ruth begins with grief. 

The Bible recounts a devastating famine that gripped Bethlehem, causing Elimelek and Naomi to depart for Moab, Israel’s ancient enemy.

Notably, Naomi lived during a time when the judges ruled—a period marked by steady moral decline and degradation (Judges 21:25 NIV).

We see this famine and societal decline mirrored in Naomi’s fateful loss of her husband.

After the death of her husband, her sons married two Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah. However, while in Moab, Naomi’s two sons died, leaving her responsible for her daughters-in-law.

What can we learn from Naomi in the Bible?

Well, for starters, this story is one of deep and significant sorrow, but also of resilience.

As seen in Naomi’s story in the Bible, her journey shows that it is possible to endure profound loss while still trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when the road ahead feels bitter and difficult.

As a result, Naomi experiences an excessive amount of sorrow. She openly expresses her pain, saying,

This deep, significant, sense of inner anguish unsettles her and alters her identity.

The Biblical meaning of Naomi is ‘pleasant’ in Hebrew. This is important, as Naomi tells her community members to call her Mara, which means ‘bitterness’ (Ruth 1:21 NIV).

She wishes to be identified based on her painful circumstances.

Yet, against this backdrop, we see Naomi’s faith and perseverance growing as the text unfolds.

She is a valuable mentor in Ruth’s life, not only keeping Ruth out of harm’s way through wise instruction but also influencing her watershed decision to marry Boaz; their union gives rise to the Messianic line, with Ruth becoming part of Jesus’ lineage. 

Naomi’s story in the Bible is one of profound perseverance.

Let’s get into more specifics!

What can we learn from Naomi in the Bible?

Let’s begin with…

The Characteristics of Naomi 

1. Naomi is Selfless

Instead of insisting that her daughters-in-law remain with her, a widow with a considerable amount of sorrow weighing down on her, Naomi makes the selfless choice to send Ruth and Orpah back to their families.

Naomi does not manipulate them into remaining at her side. Thanks to this selflessness, Ruth shows loyalty toward her grieving mother-in-law.

Naomi’s actions are a testament to the selfless love and faithfulness we are to show one another, always placing their needs above our own.

Perhaps more importantly, Ruth appears to be so moved by Naomi’s sacrificial actions that she says,

Therefore, because of Naomi’s unselfish actions, Ruth commits to Naomi’s ways in order to show faithfulness to her mother-in-law.

2. Naomi is a Woman of Courage  

Naomi’s story in the Bible is one of exceptional courage.

For example, she is prepared to bear the full burden of her situation (Ruth 1:11 NIV) and even sets out to do so alone. 

While this decision connects with selflessness, it is also indicative of braveness despite the odds.

I could learn so, so much from this!

3. Naomi shows wisdom as a mentor

Naomi guides her daughter-in-law, Ruth, with wisdom and love. 

Despite having suffered tremendous loss, Naomi shows a significant level of wisdom in knowing how to take care of her daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:6-7 NIV).

Ruth’s response, “I will do whatever you say” (Ruth 3:5 NIV), reveals the deep trust and respect she has for Naomi. 

Naomi’s wisdom is once again seen when Ruth meets a new suitor in Bethlehem, and Naomi cautions her to “go with the women who work for [Boaz]” (Ruth 2:22 NIV), as she may have been harmed if she went alone.

4. Naomi Leaves a Legacy of Hope and Restoration

Finally, thanks to the faithfulness of an all-powerful God, Naomi endures to the end.

As a result, her story ends with joy! Through Naomi’s faithfulness, wisdom and selflessness and Ruth’s loyalty, her family line is restored. 

When Ruth marries Boaz and gives birth to a son, the women of Bethlehem declare,

“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer” (Ruth 4:14 NIV).

God provides, not only for Ruth, but also for Naomi. 

Naomi’s legacy is one of hope, demonstrating that God can turn even the most bitter situations into stories of redemption and renewal.

So, what can we learn from Naomi in the Bible?

So, so much!

Naomi’s story in the Bible, although scattered with unspeakable heartache, ultimately shines with hope and redemption—and isn’t that something we can all relate to? 

Life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of ups and downs, but through it all, we see that God has a way of turning our bitter seasons into sweet ones, making all things beautiful in HIS time! 

Whether we’re offering wisdom to others, leaning on those who love us, or simply hanging on in the storm, Naomi reminds us that we can rest in God who is sovereign.

So, next time life throws a curveball, take a page from Naomi’s book: remain faithful, selfless and dedicated to our Lord, trusting in His timing, and pressing on.