Ruth 4:4

Rth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy [it] before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem [it], redeem [it]: but if thou wilt not redeem [it, then] tell me, that I may know: for [there is] none to redeem [it] beside thee; and I [am] after thee. And he said, I will redeem [it].

Ver. 4. And I thought to advertise thee. ] Heb., I said I will reveal in thine ear: so the Latins say, Aurem tibi vellam. Honesty promoteth to plain dealing.

And before the elders of my people. ] For more assurance, ratification, and confirmation. Thus also amongst us many acts betwixt private persons are done before a judge or public notary for like reason.

And he said, I will redeem it. ] This showeth that he was rich, ready for a purchase after so long a famine; but wretched, not willing to part with a penny to his two poor kinswomen, as good Boaz did. Many are, the richer the harder.