Ruth 3:9

Thy skirt. Literally, “thy wing,” an expression commonly used of the loose, flowing upper garment. The Jewish Talmud explains Ruth’s action as a proposal for marriage (see on Deut. 22:30). It is said that a similar custom still exists in some parts of the world. Ruth’s plea may have reminded Boaz of what he had recently said to her: “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:12). Ruth calls upon Boaz to fulfill in a personal way his own prayer that God would bless her. A gracious and devout man, Boaz promises to fulfill Ruth’s request, in case the nearer kinsman does not consent to do the kinsman’s duty.

Thou art a near kinsman. Ruth makes the basis of her request clear. Her coming to Boaz is both right and honorable.