My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Song of Solomon 5:10-16

Explanation:
In response to the question of the daughters of Jerusalem, the wife gives an admirable and beautiful description of her husband, going from head to toe and then back to his mouth. It is clear that she knows, loves and reveres her husband.

Near the end she calls him both “beloved” (“lover”) and “friend.” She knows him and admires him physically, emotionally and relationally.

This description of the husband is not unlike the descriptions in other parts of the book of the wife by the husband. There is a mutual admiration and submission to each spouse in the book.

Application:
One can be faithful to their spouse out of mere duty. The best marriages though exhibit faithfulness to each other out of delight.
The pursuit of our spouse ought to be of top priority for husbands and wives alike. When we admire our spouse with the right attitude, it produces a love and a longing for them that helps the marriage relationship. We must find our sole romantic delight in them alone. If we don’t “feel” this way we should “act our way into that feeling.”

Response:
• How can you express your admiration for your spouse to them this week in a fun and unique way? Do it!