What does Song of Solomon 7:3 teach about valuing physical beauty in marriage? The verse in focus “Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.” (Songs 7:3) Seeing what the imagery says • Gentle, innocent fawns picture tenderness, not lustful greed. • “Twins” highlights symmetry—orderly beauty that God Himself designed. • A gazelle’s fawns evoke grace in motion; the woman’s form is celebrated as living art, not mere object. The husband’s words are poetic, yet unmistakably physical. Scripture puts this admiration on open display, signaling that marital love should include joyful recognition of the body. Why physical beauty matters in marriage • God created bodies and called them “very good” (Genesis 1:31). • Attraction draws husband and wife together—part of “one flesh” intimacy (Genesis 2:24-25). • Affirming a spouse’s appearance nourishes emotional security and delight (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Physical praise mirrors Christ-like care: “He who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28-29). Guardrails that keep beauty a blessing • Celebrate, don’t idolize—“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting” (Proverbs 31:30). • Pair outer praise with inner praise—“the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). • Keep admiration exclusive—Song of Solomon never shares these words outside the covenant. • Remember seasons—aging alters appearance, but covenant love outlasts wrinkles (Isaiah 46:4). Practical takeaways for today For husbands: • Speak specific, sincere compliments about your wife’s body; let her hear delight, not critique. • Guard your eyes elsewhere so your praise rings true. For wives: • Receive affirmation without embarrassment; it’s part of God’s design for marital joy. • Express appreciation for your husband’s physical traits as well; mutual affirmation deepens intimacy. Together: • Tend physical health as stewardship, not vanity. • Reserve erotic words, touches, and glances for one another alone—this keeps the Song’s sweetness alive. Supporting snapshots from Scripture • Proverbs 5:19 – “May her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.” • Genesis 2:25 – “And the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed.” • Ephesians 5:31-32 – Physical union in marriage pictures the profound mystery of Christ and the church. Song of Solomon 7:3 shows that God welcomes a husband’s vocal, respectful admiration of his wife’s body. Valuing physical beauty, when held within covenant love and balanced by inner virtue, becomes an act of worship—celebrating the artistry of the Creator and the gift He has given in marriage. |
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