The answer is: Didn't want to spoil inheritance

Ruth 4:5-6

When you delve into the story of Ruth and Boaz, you’re not just exploring a romantic tale; you’re unearthing a deep anchor in the social and legal customs of ancient Israel. The kinsman-redeemer, legally obliged to marry Ruth due to family ties, faced a moral pickle: marrying her could endanger his own inheritance. In those times, land was everything; it was wealth, security, and generational legacy all rolled into one. If he married Ruth and had children, those children would inherit part of his land—an unappealing compromise indeed!

Interestingly, this narrative spins around themes of loyalty, family obligation, and the unexpected turns of life, ultimately culminating in divine providence. Boaz, on the other hand, embodied virtue and compassion, taking the risqué but rewarding path by marrying Ruth. They ultimately shared a monumental legacy—becoming the great-grandparents of King David!

Fun fact: The book of Ruth might often get overshadowed, but it's packed with significance beyond romance! It offers beautiful insights into inclusion and the importance of decisions based on kindness rather than strictly legalism. Moreover, Ruth herself, a Moabite, broke barriers of ethnicity. This opens doors to discussions about acceptance and the value of underneath connections between different groups, echoing remarkably powerful inclusivity. Ruth’s story isn't just about an ordinary love story; it resonates with the timeless importance of love for others, family honor, and obligations, a theme still very much relevant today.