Ruth, who is called a woman of valor is compared to the Woman of Valor in Proverbs 31. Boaz's desire to keep Ruth's visit a secret is intended to protect Ruth's reputation, to prevent the desecration of God's name or to protect Boaz's reputation. The practical and symbolic nature of Boaz's gift of six barleys is evaluated. 

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion