The Guide of Ruth, a brief however profound narrative throughout the Hebrew Bible, affords timeless knowledge relevant to up to date life. It tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite lady who demonstrates unwavering loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, amidst hardship and loss. Their journey emphasizes themes of affection, loyalty, resilience, and redemption, providing profound insights into human relationships and religion. For instance, Ruths dedication to Naomi, The place you go I’ll go, and the place you keep I’ll keep, exemplifies the depth of their bond and the facility of chosen household.
Set towards the backdrop of historic Israelite tradition, the narrative explores social customs and non secular practices of the time, offering a invaluable window into the previous. The story’s enduring recognition stems from its exploration of common human experiences: grief, perseverance, and the sudden blessings that may come up from adversity. These classes resonate deeply with readers throughout cultures and generations, providing steering and solace in navigating life’s challenges. Moreover, the ebook performs a major function in Jewish custom, notably through the competition of Shavuot, highlighting its cultural and non secular significance.
Exploring the important thing takeaways from this narrative gives a framework for understanding the importance of themes like kinship, perseverance, and divine windfall. Inspecting these ideas affords invaluable insights into how these historic classes can inform and enrich up to date lives.
1. Loyalty
Loyalty stands as a central pillar throughout the Guide of Ruth. Ruth’s unwavering devotion to Naomi, her mother-in-law, kinds the narrative’s emotional core. This loyalty transcends cultural and familial expectations. Ruth, a Moabite lady, chooses to stay with Naomi, an Israelite, even after the deaths of their husbands. This choice carries vital weight, because it requires Ruth to depart her homeland and embrace an unsure future in a international land. Her well-known declaration, “The place you go I’ll go, and the place you keep I’ll keep,” encapsulates the depth and breadth of her dedication. This act of loyalty establishes a robust dynamic between the 2 girls, shaping the course of their lives and in the end resulting in sudden blessings.
The idea of loyalty extends past the private relationship between Ruth and Naomi. It encompasses loyalty to custom, religion, and group. Ruth’s willingness to glean within the fields demonstrates her dedication to offering for Naomi and adhering to the customs of her adopted land. This adherence highlights the social and non secular implications of loyalty throughout the narrative. Boaz’s subsequent kindness in direction of Ruth, rooted in his respect for Naomi and his adherence to conventional kinship obligations, additional underscores the importance of loyalty throughout the broader societal context. Fashionable examples will be present in people who prioritize household obligations regardless of private sacrifice, reflecting the enduring energy of this advantage.
Understanding the function of loyalty within the Guide of Ruth affords invaluable insights into its enduring relevance. The narrative demonstrates how loyalty can function a supply of energy and resilience amidst adversity. It reveals the potential for sudden blessings to come up from unwavering dedication to others and adherence to core values. Challenges to loyalty inevitably come up in advanced human relationships, however the story of Ruth and Naomi serves as a robust reminder of its enduring significance in navigating life’s complexities and constructing a basis for a significant existence.
2. Kindness
Kindness permeates the narrative of Ruth, serving as a catalyst for optimistic change and highlighting the interconnectedness of human lives. Boaz’s actions exemplify this advantage. He notices Ruth gleaning in his fields and, knowledgeable of her loyalty to Naomi, instructs his staff to depart further grain for her. This seemingly small act of generosity carries vital weight. It demonstrates not solely compassion for Ruth’s susceptible place but in addition respect for Naomi’s previous contributions to the group. Boaz’s kindness extends past mere charity; it represents an lively option to uplift these in want. This resonates with up to date acts of kindness, from volunteering time at an area shelter to providing help to a struggling colleague, demonstrating the enduring energy of compassionate motion.
The ripple impact of kindness is obvious all through the narrative. Boaz’s generosity ensures Ruth and Naomi’s survival, offering them with sustenance and hope. His actions additionally pave the best way for a deeper connection between himself and Ruth, in the end resulting in their marriage and the continuation of Naomi’s lineage. This underscores the transformative potential of kindness. A single act of compassion can have far-reaching penalties, impacting not solely the fast recipient but in addition future generations. The narrative implicitly contrasts Boaz’s habits with the potential for indifference or exploitation, highlighting the ethical crucial to decide on kindness and its function in constructing a extra simply and compassionate society. This reinforces the significance of empathy and recognizing shared humanity, even in seemingly small interactions.
The Guide of Ruth presents kindness not merely as a pleasing attribute however as a elementary part of a virtuous life. It demonstrates the facility of small acts to create vital optimistic change. Challenges to practising kindness actually exist, given societal pressures and particular person biases. Nevertheless, the narrative affords a robust reminder of its enduring significance in fostering group, assuaging struggling, and in the end shaping a extra hopeful future. The legacy of kindness, as exemplified by Boaz and its impression on Ruth and Naomi, serves as an everlasting testomony to its transformative energy.
3. Resilience
Resilience emerges as a defining attribute of the protagonists within the Guide of Ruth. Each Ruth and Naomi face profound loss and hardship, but they show a outstanding capacity to persevere and adapt to difficult circumstances. This resilience, woven all through their journey, underscores the narrative’s emphasis on hope and the potential of renewal even within the face of adversity. Understanding the nuances of their resilience affords invaluable insights into navigating life’s inevitable challenges.
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Adaptability to Change
Ruth’s choice to depart her homeland and embrace a brand new life in Bethlehem exemplifies adaptability. She faces an unknown future with braveness, demonstrating a willingness to study new customs and combine right into a international tradition. This adaptability permits her to navigate unfamiliar social landscapes and in the end discover a place of belonging. Fashionable parallels will be present in immigrants who adapt to new international locations, demonstrating the enduring human capability to regulate and thrive in unfamiliar environments. This side of resilience highlights the significance of embracing change quite than resisting it.
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Perseverance within the Face of Adversity
Naomi initially succumbs to despair after the lack of her husband and sons. Nevertheless, she ultimately finds the energy to proceed, guided by her concern for Ruth’s future. This perseverance, although examined by grief and hardship, permits her to ultimately witness the restoration of her household line. Modern examples embrace people who overcome private tragedies or skilled setbacks, demonstrating the human capability to endure and discover that means even in troublesome instances. This underscores the facility of hope and the significance of searching for help throughout difficult durations.
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Sustaining Hope Amidst Despair
Regardless of experiencing vital loss, Ruth maintains a way of hope. This hope fuels her willpower to offer for Naomi and embrace the chances of a brand new life. It’s this unwavering hope that in the end results in her encounter with Boaz and the following restoration of each her and Naomi’s fortunes. This resonates with people dealing with seemingly insurmountable odds, highlighting the significance of sustaining a optimistic outlook even when circumstances seem bleak. It means that hope, even in its most fragile kind, generally is a highly effective catalyst for optimistic change.
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Resourcefulness in Difficult Conditions
Ruth’s resourcefulness is obvious in her willingness to glean within the fields. She proactively seeks options to offer for herself and Naomi, demonstrating a capability to take advantage of restricted alternatives. This resourcefulness permits her to navigate precarious circumstances and safe their survival. Fashionable examples embrace people who make the most of creativity and ingenuity to beat monetary hardship or restricted assets, demonstrating the human capability to innovate and discover options in difficult conditions. This side of resilience emphasizes the significance of proactive problem-solving and leveraging accessible assets, nonetheless restricted they might be.
These interconnected sides of resilience, exemplified by Ruth and Naomi, provide invaluable classes for navigating up to date challenges. Their journey highlights the significance of adaptability, perseverance, hope, and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity and constructing a basis for a extra fulfilling life. The Guide of Ruth serves as a robust testomony to the human capability to not solely survive however thrive within the face of adverse circumstances. By analyzing these examples, readers can acquire insights into cultivating their very own resilience and navigating the complexities of life with better energy and hope.
4. Redemption
Redemption, an idea deeply embedded throughout the Guide of Ruth, represents the restoration of hope, fortune, and lineage. It highlights the potential of new beginnings and the sudden blessings that may emerge from difficult circumstances. The narrative showcases redemption on each particular person and communal ranges, providing profound insights into the transformative energy of resilience, kindness, and religion. Exploring the sides of redemption inside this context gives a deeper understanding of its significance throughout the broader narrative and its enduring relevance.
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Restoration of Lineage
The wedding of Ruth and Boaz, culminating within the beginning of Obed, signifies the restoration of Naomi’s lineage. This restoration carries profound significance throughout the context of historic Israelite tradition, the place familial continuity held immense significance. Obed’s beginning not solely brings pleasure to Naomi but in addition represents the continuation of her deceased husband’s household line, providing a way of hope and legacy amidst prior loss. This resonates with up to date issues about legacy and the need to depart a optimistic impression on future generations.
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From Barrenness to Fruitfulness
The narrative’s development from a state of barrenness, marked by loss of life and loss, to considered one of fruitfulness, symbolized by Ruth’s marriage and the beginning of Obed, underscores the theme of redemption. This transition highlights the cyclical nature of life and the potential for renewal even after durations of profound hardship. Naomi’s journey from bitterness and despair to pleasure and achievement exemplifies this transformative course of. This resonates with people who expertise durations of private or skilled setbacks, providing hope for eventual renewal and success.
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Discovering Kinship and Belonging
Ruth’s journey from an outsider, a Moabite lady in a international land, to changing into an integral member of the Israelite group by way of her marriage to Boaz, exemplifies the redemptive energy of kinship and belonging. Her preliminary vulnerability and isolation are remodeled by way of acts of kindness and loyalty, culminating in her integration into a brand new household and group. This resonates with up to date experiences of immigration and social integration, highlighting the significance of inclusive communities and the transformative energy of acceptance.
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Divine Windfall and Blessing
The sudden flip of occasions that results in Ruth’s marriage to Boaz suggests a divine hand at work, guiding the narrative in direction of redemption. This reinforces the theme of divine windfall and the idea that even amidst hardship, blessings can emerge by way of unexpected circumstances. The narrative means that faithfulness and adherence to righteous ideas, as exemplified by each Ruth and Boaz, can result in sudden rewards and a way of divine favor. This resonates with people who search that means and function of their lives, providing hope that even throughout difficult instances, a better plan could also be unfolding.
These interconnected sides of redemption spotlight the transformative energy of resilience, kindness, and religion throughout the Guide of Ruth. The narrative demonstrates how, even amidst profound loss and hardship, people can expertise renewal, discover belonging, and witness the restoration of hope and lineage. These highly effective classes resonate with up to date audiences, providing enduring insights into the human capability for resilience and the potential of discovering redemption even in probably the most difficult of circumstances. The Guide of Ruth in the end affords a message of hope and the potential for transformation, reminding readers that even in seemingly bleak conditions, new beginnings and sudden blessings can emerge.
5. Faithfulness
Faithfulness serves as an important thread woven all through the narrative of Ruth, connecting a number of of its key classes. It manifests in varied kinds, together with loyalty to household, adherence to non secular customs, and belief in divine windfall. Ruth’s unwavering dedication to Naomi exemplifies faithfulness within the context of familial relationships. Her choice to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem, forsaking her family and homeland, demonstrates a profound degree of devotion and loyalty. This act of faithfulness lays the muse for the following blessings that unfold within the narrative. Equally, Boaz’s adherence to the legal guidelines of kinship redemption demonstrates faithfulness to societal and non secular obligations. His willingness to meet his obligation in direction of Naomi’s household, despite the fact that it entails private threat, highlights the significance of upholding established customs and traditions. These examples illustrate how faithfulness, expressed by way of each private relationships and adherence to societal norms, performs a significant function in shaping the course of occasions throughout the narrative.
The idea of faithfulness extends past human interactions to embody belief in divine windfall. Whereas not explicitly acknowledged, the narrative suggests an underlying perception {that a} larger energy is at work, guiding occasions in direction of a optimistic consequence. Ruth and Naomi’s perseverance by way of hardship, coupled with their adherence to righteous ideas, in the end results in their redemption. This implies that faithfulness, even within the face of adversity, can result in sudden blessings and a way of divine favor. The story’s conclusion, with the beginning of Obed and the continuation of Naomi’s lineage, reinforces this concept, implying that faithfulness to each human relationships and divine steering can lead to long-term optimistic outcomes. This idea resonates with up to date audiences who grapple with questions of religion, function, and the seek for that means in difficult circumstances.
The Guide of Ruth presents faithfulness not merely as a passive advantage however as an lively power that shapes particular person destinies and communal well-being. The narrative demonstrates how faithfulness in varied kinds, from familial loyalty to adherence to non secular ideas, can result in sudden blessings and the restoration of hope. Challenges to sustaining faithfulness inevitably come up in advanced human experiences. Nevertheless, the story of Ruth and Naomi serves as a robust reminder of its enduring significance in navigating life’s complexities and constructing a basis for a significant existence. The narrative means that by cultivating faithfulness in {our relationships}, communities, and religious lives, we are able to create a extra resilient and hopeful future, even amidst adversity.
6. Windfall
Windfall, the idea of divine steering and care, subtly but powerfully permeates the narrative of Ruth. Whereas not explicitly acknowledged, the unfolding occasions recommend an unseen hand orchestrating circumstances in direction of a better function. The seemingly probability encounter between Ruth and Boaz within the area, the intricacies of kinship redemption legal guidelines, and the eventual restoration of Naomi’s lineage all level in direction of a divinely ordained plan. This understanding of windfall doesn’t negate the characters’ company Ruth’s loyalty, Boaz’s kindness, and Naomi’s resilience all play essential roles however quite suggests these human actions function inside a bigger framework of divine orchestration. The narrative implies that even amidst hardship and uncertainty, a benevolent power is at work, guiding occasions in direction of final good. This resonates with real-life experiences the place seemingly random occasions align to provide sudden optimistic outcomes, main people to understand a way of future or larger function. Examples vary from lucky coincidences that result in profession alternatives to acts of sudden kindness that rework lives.
The idea of windfall provides depth and complexity to the teachings introduced within the Guide of Ruth. It reinforces the concept that faithfulness, kindness, and resilience usually are not solely virtuous in themselves but in addition appeal to divine favor and blessing. The narrative means that by adhering to those ideas, people align themselves with the divine movement, opening themselves to sudden alternatives and optimistic outcomes. This understanding has sensible significance in up to date life. It encourages people to belief in a bigger plan, even when dealing with difficult circumstances, and to take care of religion that their actions, nonetheless small, can contribute to a better good. This attitude can foster resilience within the face of adversity, promote a way of function, and encourage people to behave with kindness and integrity, trusting that their efforts will in the end contribute to a optimistic consequence.
The refined portrayal of windfall within the Guide of Ruth affords a robust message of hope and reassurance. Whereas acknowledging the realities of hardship and loss, the narrative in the end affirms the existence of a benevolent power working behind the scenes to result in good. This understanding challenges the notion of a random, detached universe and affords solace within the perception that even amidst life’s uncertainties, a better function is unfolding. The Guide of Ruth invitations readers to contemplate the function of windfall in their very own lives, encouraging them to belief within the unfolding of occasions and to behave with faithfulness, kindness, and resilience, assured that their actions, aligned with divine function, will in the end contribute to a extra significant and fulfilling existence.
7. Hope
Hope acts as an important undercurrent throughout the Guide of Ruth, sustaining the characters by way of adversity and in the end paving the best way for his or her redemption. The narrative, set towards a backdrop of loss and hardship, demonstrates the transformative energy of hope and its capacity to encourage resilience, maintain faithfulness, and gasoline the pursuit of a greater future. Exploring the assorted sides of hope inside this context illuminates its profound significance throughout the narrative and its enduring relevance in up to date life.
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Hope as a Catalyst for Resilience
Ruth’s choice to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem, forsaking her acquainted environment, requires immense braveness and a perception in the potential of a greater future. This hope fuels her resilience within the face of an unsure future. It empowers her to adapt to a brand new tradition, navigate unfamiliar social landscapes, and persevere by way of difficult circumstances. Fashionable parallels will be present in people who immigrate to new international locations with the hope of constructing a greater life for themselves and their households, demonstrating the enduring energy of hope to encourage resilience within the face of serious challenges.
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Hope Sustaining Faithfulness
Naomi, initially consumed by grief and despair, regularly rediscovers hope by way of witnessing Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and resilience. This renewed hope sustains her faithfulness to custom and her perception in the potential of future blessings. It permits her to emerge from the depths of despair and embrace the sudden joys that unfold. Modern examples embrace people who preserve religion of their spiritual beliefs or private values throughout instances of disaster, demonstrating the flexibility of hope to maintain faithfulness even amidst difficult circumstances.
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Hope as a Supply of Power in Adversity
Ruth’s willingness to glean within the fields, a humbling job, displays her hope for provision and a greater future. This hope empowers her to embrace troublesome work with dignity and perseverance. It serves as a supply of energy, enabling her to beat difficult circumstances and supply for herself and Naomi. This resonates with people dealing with monetary hardship or job loss who preserve hope for future employment and monetary stability, demonstrating the flexibility of hope to offer energy and motivation throughout troublesome instances.
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Hope as a Basis for Future Blessings
The narrative’s end result within the marriage of Ruth and Boaz and the beginning of Obed represents the achievement of hope. The sudden blessings that unfold show the transformative energy of hope and its capacity to pave the best way for a brighter future. This resonates with people who expertise sudden optimistic outcomes after durations of wrestle, reinforcing the concept that sustaining hope can result in unexpected blessings and a way of achievement.
The Guide of Ruth emphasizes hope not as mere wishful considering however as a robust power that shapes particular person destinies and communal well-being. It highlights the interconnectedness of hope, resilience, faithfulness, and the eventual realization of blessings. The narratives exploration of hope affords invaluable insights for navigating up to date challenges, reminding us of the significance of sustaining a optimistic outlook even within the face of adversity. The enduring legacy of Ruths story serves as a testomony to the transformative energy of hope and its capacity to encourage resilience, maintain faithfulness, and in the end pave the best way for a brighter future.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the important thing classes and themes introduced within the Guide of Ruth.
Query 1: How does the Guide of Ruth relate to up to date society?
Regardless of its historic setting, the Guide of Ruth explores timeless themes of affection, loyalty, resilience, and redemption that stay extremely related in the present day. Its exploration of human relationships, notably within the face of adversity, affords invaluable insights for navigating up to date challenges.
Query 2: Why is Ruth thought-about a major determine?
Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi, her willingness to embrace a brand new tradition, and her resilience within the face of hardship make her a robust instance of feminine energy and willpower. Her story challenges conventional societal expectations and highlights the significance of selecting love and loyalty over consolation and familiarity.
Query 3: What’s the significance of the kinship redemption legislation within the narrative?
The kinship redemption legislation, central to the plot, gives perception into historic Israelite social constructions and customs. It underscores the significance of household obligations and communal duty for susceptible members of society. Boaz’s adherence to this legislation demonstrates his integrity and units the stage for Ruth’s eventual redemption.
Query 4: How does the Guide of Ruth tackle the theme of religion?
Whereas not explicitly centered on theological discourse, the Guide of Ruth subtly portrays the theme of religion by way of the characters’ belief in divine windfall. Ruth and Naomi’s perseverance by way of hardship suggests an underlying perception in a better energy guiding their journey in direction of a optimistic consequence.
Query 5: What’s the literary significance of the Guide of Ruth?
As a concise and emotionally resonant narrative, the Guide of Ruth is admired for its literary artistry. Its use of evocative language, compelling characters, and tightly woven plot contributes to its enduring attraction and its standing as a major work throughout the Hebrew Bible.
Query 6: How does the Guide of Ruth relate to different biblical texts?
The Guide of Ruth affords a novel perspective throughout the Hebrew Bible. Its concentrate on private relationships and particular person company enhances the broader historic and authorized narratives present in different books. Moreover, Ruth’s lineage connects to King David, establishing a major hyperlink to subsequent biblical narratives.
Inspecting these continuously requested questions gives additional perception into the profound themes and enduring relevance of the Guide of Ruth. Its exploration of human relationships, resilience, and the facility of hope continues to resonate with readers throughout cultures and generations.
Additional exploration of associated matters, such because the function of girls in historic Israel or the historic context of the kinship redemption legislation, can enrich one’s understanding of this outstanding narrative and its enduring legacy.
Sensible Functions Impressed by the Guide of Ruth
The Guide of Ruth affords greater than only a compelling narrative; it gives sensible knowledge relevant to up to date life. The next suggestions, impressed by the textual content, provide steering for cultivating resilience, strengthening relationships, and navigating life’s complexities.
Tip 1: Domesticate Loyalty: Prioritize significant relationships and show unwavering dedication to family members, even amidst challenges. Simply as Ruth remained steadfast in her devotion to Naomi, nurture loyalty as a cornerstone of private interactions.
Tip 2: Apply Kindness: Lengthen compassion and generosity to these in want, recognizing the potential of small acts to create vital optimistic change. Emulate Boaz’s generosity by searching for alternatives to uplift others by way of considerate actions.
Tip 3: Embrace Resilience: Develop the flexibility to adapt to alter, persevere by way of adversity, and preserve hope even in difficult circumstances. Ruth and Naomi’s journey exemplifies the facility of resilience in overcoming life’s inevitable setbacks.
Tip 4: Search Alternatives for Development: Embrace new experiences and challenges as alternatives for private development and transformation. Ruth’s willingness to embrace a brand new life in Bethlehem led to sudden blessings and private achievement.
Tip 5: Belief in a Bigger Plan: Domesticate religion in a better function, even when dealing with uncertainty or hardship. The narrative’s refined portrayal of windfall suggests {that a} benevolent power can information people in direction of optimistic outcomes.
Tip 6: Worth Group and Belonging: Acknowledge the significance of group and search alternatives to construct significant connections with others. Ruth’s integration into the Israelite group highlights the transformative energy of belonging.
Tip 7: Honor Traditions and Values: Respect cultural heritage and uphold moral ideas in each day life. Boaz’s adherence to kinship redemption legal guidelines demonstrates the significance of honoring traditions and values.
Tip 8: Keep Hope: Nurture hope as a supply of energy and inspiration, even throughout difficult instances. Ruth’s unwavering hope fueled her resilience and in the end led to her redemption.
Integrating these ideas into each day life can foster resilience, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a extra significant and fulfilling existence. These sensible functions provide a tangible solution to join with the timeless knowledge embedded throughout the Guide of Ruth.
The concluding part will summarize the important thing takeaways from the Guide of Ruth and reiterate its enduring relevance for up to date readers.
Conclusion
Exploration of the Guide of Ruth reveals a story wealthy in timeless knowledge. Key themes of loyalty, kindness, resilience, redemption, faithfulness, windfall, and hope intertwine to supply profound insights into the human expertise. Ruth’s unwavering dedication to Naomi, Boaz’s compassionate actions, and the eventual restoration of their household line show the transformative energy of those virtues. The narrative’s exploration of historic Israelite customs and social constructions gives invaluable context for understanding the characters’ motivations and the importance of their selections. From dealing with adversity with braveness to embracing sudden alternatives, the characters’ journeys provide invaluable classes for navigating life’s complexities.
The Guide of Ruth’s enduring legacy lies in its capacity to resonate with up to date audiences. Its exploration of common human experiencesloss, perseverance, and the pursuit of hopetranscends cultural and historic boundaries. Readers are challenged to contemplate the function of those virtues in their very own lives and to embrace the potential for transformation even amidst difficult circumstances. The narrative’s timeless knowledge serves as a robust reminder of the significance of human connection, the enduring energy of the human spirit, and the potential of discovering redemption and hope even within the darkest of instances. Additional exploration of associated biblical texts and historic contexts can enrich one’s understanding of this outstanding narrative and its profound message.
