Song of Songs – oh what poem – a masterpiece illustrating romance in marriage and passion in holiness. A lengthy book could be written on the practical applications of this poem. Here are a few insights.

Even though some of the words used in the poem may seem strange to us, it is the romance of words that can enhance any marriage.

When you love someone you are concerned for that person’s health, comfort, and safety.

Unresolved conflicts can ruin a relationship. Little problems (little foxes) can disturb or even destroy a relationship.

Partners in marriage should continually refresh each other (encouraging words, unexpected gifts, surprise phone calls, e-mails, or cards, etc.) Marriage should be a haven of refreshment because the rest of the world isn’t.

Romance keeps a marriage interesting. Maintain marriage daily.

Marriage grows and matures but not without problems. As time passes passion looses its spark. Conflicts and pressures creep in causing tenderness to wane. Intimacy can be renewed and regenerated if we take time to remember and talk about those first thrills.

In a healthy marriage spouses are also good friends.

Strive to make love of spouse a reflection of the perfect love that comes from God.

Tall order? Maybe so, but with two working together...and God in the center...

What a jewel hidden away in these little verses!!!

Prov 30:1-4
The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh-- an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

How wise Agur was! Even though he said he was the most ignorant of men. Yet he knew that the Holy One had a son. AMAZING!

Prov 31:8a
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
The unborn, perhaps?

The Wife of Noble Character

Prov 31:31
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
We shouldn’t seek praise, but when it comes accept it gracefully, but give God the glory.

Did you notice what’s missing from her description? Read it again.. Does it mention anything about her outward appearance?

Oops!  I meant the session will be at 7:00, not 8:00.

Our monthly e-bible study Discussion Session will be Monday, May 28 at 8:00 pm at our home.  Come and share with others what new insights you have received in this past month's reading.  And come hear what others have received.

Prov 17:6a
Children's children are a crown to the aged,
For those of us who are grandparents, doesn’t this ring true?

Prov 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
Guess we can put away our hair coloring lotions and wear our gray hair with pride.

Prov 27:15
A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;
What an image that is! I much prefer this one:
 

Prov 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Prov 16:17
The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. Prov 22:5
In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

If we stay on the straight and narrow, the highway of the Lord, we will avoid the thorns and snares that would seek to entangle us when we are off the highway and all wound up in the ways of the world. Kinda reminds us about walking in the "good way".

Prov 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

What a great promise for us. If we honor God with our wealth we will benefit from His good promises. He doesn’t want our leftovers.

He wants our best.

After all He gave us His best!

Prov 16:11
Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

God judges according to His standard. When we stand before the throne at the judgment, He will balance the scales. It will make no difference how much or how little our sins may be on our side of the scales; Jesus balances them by His shed blood. What an amazing Savior we have!

Prov 22:28
Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

Ps 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Praise God, He has set boundaries for us. To know where those boundaries are, we only need to go to the "ancient paths"

Jer 6:16
This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
If only we would learn to walk in the "good way" and ask for the ancient paths.