How can we apply the admiration in Song of Solomon 6:5 to marriage? The Setting: Admiration in Songs 6:5 “Turn your eyes away from me; they overwhelm me. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead.” — Songs 6:5 The bridegroom’s words drip with delight. Her mere glance is so captivating that he playfully asks her to look away for a moment. In marriage, God invites husbands and wives to keep this same wonder alive. Key Truths About Marital Admiration • Admiration is godly. The Spirit inspired these words, showing that it is righteous to celebrate a spouse’s beauty and presence (cf. Proverbs 5:18-19). • Admiration is specific. He names her eyes and hair. Vagueness dies quickly; detailed praise nourishes love. • Admiration is ongoing. This is chapter 6, not the honeymoon beginning. Years into the relationship, the thrill endures. • Admiration is powerful. One look “overwhelms” him. Spoken honor shapes emotions and deepens intimacy (Ephesians 5:28-29). Practical Ways to Admire Your Spouse 1. Notice and verbalize details. • Eyes sparkling during conversation. • A new hairstyle or the familiar scent after a day’s work. 2. Speak admiration often, not only on special occasions. • A short text: “Your smile still melts me.” • A whispered compliment before sleep. 3. Use creative comparisons. • Instead of “You look nice,” try imagery that paints a picture—“Your laughter fills our home like music.” 4. Admire character as well as appearance. • “Your patience with the children today showed beautiful strength” (cf. Proverbs 31:28-29). 5. Receive admiration humbly. • When praised, say “Thank you” instead of deflecting. Let affection land and bond your hearts. Guarding the Heart and Eyes • Protect exclusive admiration. Job 31:1 models a covenant with the eyes; treasuring one another prevents wandering glances. • Reject comparison. The bridegroom isn’t scanning the hills; he’s fixed on his bride alone. • Cultivate inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:7 reminds husbands to honor wives as co-heirs; wives can respond with respectful love (cf. 1 Peter 3:4-5). Admiration grows where honor flows both ways. Reflections from Other Scriptures • Genesis 2:23-24 — “Bone of my bones” is spontaneous admiration at first sight, grounding marriage in joyful recognition. • Ephesians 5:25-27 — Christ’s cherishing of the church guides husbands to nurture with words and deeds. • Songs 4:9 — “You have captured my heart with one glance of your eyes,” echoing 6:5 and reinforcing the theme. Closing Thoughts The lover’s exclamation in Songs 6:5 is more than ancient poetry; it is an enduring invitation. Keep admiring, keep speaking, keep overwhelming each other with grace-filled praise, and the romance God designed for marriage will flourish through every season. |
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