The Shulamite claimed to be a wild flower of the field- a flower growing in great profusion. This connotes industry, strength, power and might. The strength to face diverse issues that concern the affair; the strength to deal with them powerfully. Such is worthy of emulation. Be great and strong. Fear not and handle everything that comes your way with maturity. Be bold; be one amongst many.

The above verse connotes a peculiarity, distinctiveness, and a ‘strange beauty’. You should be able to relate with your partner in such a way that ‘strange beauty’ is reflected through you in his eyes. This portrays you as smart, hardworking, one with foresight, great and as a champion. Yes, champion of champions. Little winder, he calls you his queen. Oh! What a fellowship so wonderful. What a privilege you have to experience this without stress. To look with wonder at the increase of your union, of your communion, of your rapport. Seize this opportunity, this God-given, God-breathed ability in you. Make aye while the sun shines!

2. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
Amidst the thorns, the lily grows, springs forth and stands out. It excels despite the thorns. It is worth more; yes, far worth more than all the thorns put together. The lily is your lady. Your lady must be as the lily is in your very own eyes if you really want a cordial relationship. And also a smooth, peaceful, happy and joyful marital life. She must stand out in all areas among the daughters- among other ladies (among her peers). Yes, this must be before your very own eyes, in your world! Then true love, strong love, will emanate, issue out from your very being, from your ‘within’ to her unconditionally.

The above also applies to ladies. See your man as the lily. ‘Others are seen as thorns’. And as such any other romantic relationship is harmful and dangerous. The end result is distasteful. Having extra-marital affairs is dangerous and unhealthy. It’s a great ill, a great evil. For in so doing you are appreciating the thorns. Whoever the other person may be, it doesn’t make a difference. He is a thorn; she is a thorn. The overall effect is disaster. The end result: unruly. O! Realize the truth and stick very, very close to your lover. Stick closest. Yes! Like never before and avoid piercing yourself with many sorrows.

There is no good reason whatsoever, in having an affair with a thorn. It is evil, not love. (Yes) for the end result is ‘unwelcoming’. It profits ya nothing. Do not take solace elsewhere in a bid to avoid your family problems. Stop acting cowardly. Face the problem and cause it to bow. Act on love principles. Express love. Before love, all obstacles, hindrances and barriers give way without delay. Hold fast to your jewel. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Do all you need do. Drop those enemies- the dirty habits, the lousiness, the pride, the inferiority complex, the ‘it doesn’t matter’ attitude, and the ‘I don’t care’ attitude. Reclaim the pleasurable moments, the joyous times, times of refreshing and WATCH IT! Lest any of you slip and fall, and fail again.

It is a thing of shame, of great disgrace in neglecting your beloved, your partner. Despite his/her mistake, learn to persevere. Be patient and be ‘slow to speak’. Marriage is honorable. God never intended a divorce, a separation... for the issue of oneness is so vital, ‘so strong’ to be taken lightly. Divorce can be a thing of immaturity, even childish and vain. It shows a dearth of knowledge, of understanding. It can be spiteful, shameful and foolish. For you are breaking the laws of a mighty, strong and very vital covenant. This can be detrimental to your well being, to ‘your whole’. It can steal your joy. Yes, true joy. It can equip you with evil; with false weapons- weapons, which you may wish to utilize to save your neck, your reputation! But alas, this is all folly for with them you break the camel’s back. Except you make amends, this stench will be felt by your whole family and even by the community. Stop a minute and think. For where love is, there is much hope. And love is in you; yes, inherent on your inside. You can love. Reach out to it and make good use of it.

3. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
(Verse 3a (the first sentence) holds a similar connotation as verse 2 (the previous verse).)

I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. This connotes a situation where your woman enjoys sex tremendously (with great delight) with you. ... his fruit was sweet to my taste. His sex organ, I found (find) lovely, an expression of himself, his wonderful, lovely, caring person to me.

She could only sit down under his shadow because she saw him as the apple tree among the trees of the wood. Hence, whether the lovemaking (love coupling) is for the first time or not, with her cooperation (with understanding) coupled with his, (and everything ‘mixed’ with love) all is/becomes well and the love flows. Yes, good times flow.

Can your spouse say: “yes! I experience great delight and find his fruit sweet to my taste?” The love may be there (no doubt) but let it affect your sexual relationship; let it cause it (the sex life, that is) to blossom. The husband should not see his wife’s body as a means to an end- merely satisfying his sexual desires and vice-versa. Understand yourselves. Learn HOW TO. Improve, with patience on your sexual relationship.

Never forget, ‘the dream’ is achieved by a strong contribution from each partner. And let your fruit be sweet to her taste, and vice-versa!!

... sitting down under his shadow with great delight - also connotes a ‘realm’ whereby she feels, smells safe and secure in your hands. To the woman, I say: see him as great, comforting, soothing and powerful. Have faith in him. Then you’ll feel safe under his shadows. Never lag behind in your love for him. Be proud of him and I can assure you, you’ll continually bask in delight under his shadows. To the man I say: be bold and brave. Make up effectively for her weak points (if any). Cherish her as a pearl. Show forth your manliness, your manhood.

... his fruit also connotes his character, the kind of person he reflects. Woman, ensure that the ‘kind of person’ of your man is purely, wholly acceptable unto you. Young lady, do not say, “he is the one” just because of his material wealth, his assets. Don’t say that simply because you are seeking for ‘comfort’. These do not bring peace but love brings peace. They only in some cases help promote peace where love and peace had gained grounds already. If you do not take heed, be rest assured that shortly you would wish you were as poor as a ‘church rat’. You cannot buy neither can you sell love! His fruit was sweet to my taste and as such he’s much fun to be with. Yes! You desire him all the time!!

4. He brought me to the banqueting house, his banner over me is love.
The banqueting house, the house of feasting and rejoicing. Take her to this house; bring her in. It is your responsibility. After you have won her over, take her to the banqueting house. HOW? Overwhelm her by your manner of speech. You should be able to induce a powerful rapport. Say things of interest. Submit to her leisure styles, her leisure patterns. At times you need to make some sacrifices to ensure this. Humility would be of great help here. The banqueting house is a house of pleasurable moments, of good times and cheerfulness.

Your manner of approach counts a lot. Be diverse, stop being rigid. Be free. Make room for embarrassments (develop yourself to a level where you hardly, rarely become embarrassed). Be slow to anger. Count the cost of all you do! Relate with her in a disciplined fashion; watching what you say. Avoid flattering her, be simple, straight forward, and realistic. Aim at the goal, let your focus be: ‘take her to the banqueting house’. Therefore, everything you do or say should point to this.

Your role also includes pruning. Pruning off the unwanted, the useless, the bad habits, wrong attitudes and the like from off her. And even also from yourself. Shape her to the person of your dreams. Do all things for her very good. Yes, you will succeed after you must have touched her in such a way that she’s subject, submissive unto you. Then, she’ll be ready to learn, to make amends AND TO ENTER THE HOUSE OF BANQUET WITH BLISS!

... and his banner over me is love. His shelter over me is love. Shower her with your love. Now, what is love? Love covers patience, kindness, humility, unselfishness, selflessness, perseverance, hope, endurance, and faith. Love does not envy, is not boastful; is not easily provoked; thinks not evil; rejoices not in iniquity but rejoices in the truth. Love believes all things. Love never fails, irrespective of the odds. (See odds as friendly, working out for your own good, your desires).

Lavish all these love-attributes on her. Then your banner over her will be LOVE. This banner cannot be hidden. It is lifted up high and all (not her alone) sees it. It is appreciated by those who truly have love wishes and most importantly by God, the author and finisher of love. He alone can open; enlighten your eyes of understanding to see love the way it truly is, in all its facets. Seek Him! Continually, display the banner. Let nothing spoil ‘your day’. Let the love-attributes emanate, flow out of your heart; for in them are the ‘issue of marital love’.

... his banner over me is love. In a situation like this, he is willing to go through the storms with you. He bears all things with you. Love makes the difference. He is ready to sacrifice all for your well-being. To see that you are restored wholly, fully back to him (where-ever this may apply). He truly loves you!

He brought me to the banqueting house, his banner over me is love. Interpreting this verse in a strictly sexual context, one may say (briefly) that in love coupling (love play), she receives great, intense pleasure from him. A major reason for this is that she feels strongly his love vibrating through her whole being. The ‘game’, the ‘play’, the ‘act’ for her is not just physical. Also, it is emotional. It is spiritual. She is able to bask in loving absorption. She is brought to the banqueting house, a house of orgasmic pleasure! A house where all is ‘locked outside’ save you two. Clearly you can declare that: “it is a house where there is only me, him/her, and the act!” And always remember that love is the ingredient that brings meaning and rich pleasure to sexual activity.

5. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love.
Make her sick of love. How? It’s a rule – don’t give in too easily. Be self-controlled, let abstinence work out something beautiful for you–, that which is abundantly rewarding in the long run. Abstinence in itself is good. Yes, abstinence– not out of sheer cruelty (for in so doing you let yourself, your body to be an evil weapon) but out of love. Be ‘reluctantly’ loving. When you ‘release’ (as of you coming out of your shell, yielding totally, completely, without compromise), your lover’s joy would know no bound. It is a strategy that should be implemented every now and then– here a little, there a little.

Stay me with flagons connotes leave me with that which is pleasurable, expensive... (And what is as expensive as love?) ... comfort me with apples – sooth me with your presence. Gladden my heart with that of you which is expensive. So much expensive you share it not with another. Yes, but it is reserved for me; for I, only I can reverberate it (purely, wholly, truly, fully). Comfort me with apples also gives a meaning as of consoling. Console me with that which I love.

Yes, she might as well just be hungry for love. He may as well be actually looking for a love expression.... Hence, you may see actions that seem contrary to your expectations. Do not bother; do not misunderstand. Always believe he, she is acting out of love. Then step in mightily (with a variety of approaches available to you), and comfort him, her with apples, yes, apples of love.

She barks, don’t bark back. He complains, he criticizes; don’t get uncontrollably angry and/or feel humiliated. She hits you hard, grab her and let your stalwartness be known to her. He mocks, you tease. She frowns, you try to recapture for her, her smiles. Let him laugh; let him see merriment. Let his heart rejoice. Yes, rejoice in you; rejoice at your presence because of your charming, seducing, lovely self. Such that radiates warmth, beauty and a sweet sense of belonging.

Pay hatred with love. Pay love with love. Express yourself– your true self. Stop being artificial, remove pretense. For such is the enemy of love. Yes, pretense fails the test of time. BE REALISTIC. Let your lover be in a position to say to you: “I know you, I trust you”.

6. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand does embrace me.
His left hand is under my head. Yes! Because he wishes to have a strong grip of your very being. He wants to hold and have you ‘eternally’. He wishes to have ‘control’ of you for your head is your ‘HEAD’. Little wonder, at the end of the day, you are totally yielded to him and definitely helpless without him. You are bound to him and won’t let go.

... is under my head. This gives a meaning of a situation whereby he has influenced you so greatly that he’s now at the citadel of your heart. All you do is simply surrender and let him have his very good, selfless, loving way through you. He desires to hold your ‘head’ and to be your HEAD.

... his right hand does embrace you because he wants you close to his heart. He desires you close at heart. Yes! He is saying: “Touch my soul even as much as I touch yours. Come closest to me, and let’s be one– one flesh– one for good, the good of us 2 and humanity in general”. Help your community; help humanity by keeping a stable, congruent relationship. Learn, says wisdom. You are without excuse, O man, and O woman.

Woman, to you I say: make a conscious effort, a literal move to actualizing this verse. Relate with him and take him in such a way that consciously and unconsciously, you place your left hand under his head and with your right hand embracing him. Do not be too passive! Then WATCH OUT FOR THE DIFFERENCE!!

7. I charge you, O you daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that you stir not up, nor awake (my) love, till he please.
She does not want interference of any sort. She would not welcome the ‘disturbance’ of another woman. She is very much in love. She gives of herself to her lover unconditionally. She yields with open hand & heart. She takes pleasure in seeing to his satisfaction, his fulfillment. She basks in the reality that he is eating, drinking of her. She basks in loving absorption. He eats, drinks in loving absorption. She is immersed in him. He is immersed in her. Intrusion is not allowed. Interference, ‘disturbance’ is not allowed. They crave their privacy to celebrate their ceremony of love. Here, love coupling is cherished. And the woman (with her special skills) orchestrates things to keep other women off her man. She beseeches them (the daughters of Jerusalem) by a most precious and loved animal—the roe (or gazelle) not to stir up nor awaken love. She is appealing to them by that which they regard highly, that which they love, that which is soothing to them, that which they can relate to. She speaks ‘their language’ to them and carefully guards her relationship. She is a woman of wisdom. She is enjoying a wonderful dance. … till he please. A man who eats to his full would become her love slave. He will not look elsewhere.

8. The voice of my beloved! behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. The voice of your beloved, the right person for you, your rose, your lily is not hard to notice for it is deep within you. It has struck a noteworthy impression on you, on your subtle being thereby affecting you in a special and lovely way. He comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. He comes to you after the day’s job straightaway. Though you may not have been present with him all day, you’ve nevertheless been on his mind. And so straightaway, he comes to you expecting to see you as lovely as ever. Neatly dressed, looking so natural, so real and welcoming. Looking approachable, comforting, and amicable. Yes! He comes, hoping, wishing to receive a warm embrace.

You must not fail him here. Put aside your troubles and worries, do not be tensed up rather be relaxed. Receive him with joy and meekness, with a warm smile. Create an atmosphere of serenity and love.

Because you love his voice, you want its source. You desire to kiss him. The voice presents his person to you. You can notice love in it. You can notice power in it, the command of a distinct personality. Yes, you see him in his voice. Little wonder, you are filled with joy saying- “the voice of my beloved!” And you are filled with appreciation because you’ve found your one and only. The only person that can/has filled that vacuum in you; that can/has quenched that taste, that hunger, that craving. So, you appreciate what he does for a living; you applaud his person; you are not ashamed to say- “this is my man”. You regard being with him very, very highly. You LOVE him for who he is and not for what he is.

9. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he stands behind our wall, he looks forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice.
My lover is smart and sharp (from the first clause above). He is agile; he is lively and really fun to be with. He is handsome, hardworking and graceful.

There is one way through which you can ease all fears, feelings of insecurity, quench all sorrows; put off all grudges, angers and grievances. There is one way through which you can fan love into flames; through which you can bridge the gap in your relationship, in your affair, in your marriage. This is the way of gracefulness- showing a pleasing beauty of form, of manner; pleasing in both style and attitude, polite and considerate. Such is the roe; such is the young hart.

Possess these qualities, and then you’ll be bold to stand behind the wall of her family and look forth at the windows (for you’ll be able to locate the windows), showing forth yourself through the lattice--- through the barriers; through the odds.

Amidst all oppositions, all hindrances and barriers, your love, your gracefulness will work out for you, the persistency that you need in order to have her (and for her to have you). Stand, stand firm on your goal(s); look forth at the windows, showing yourself through the lattice. Make good use of any opportunity that comes your way to prove yourself to them (her family, most dear ones…), to be acceptable unto them. Remove from your mind that notion (‘for national peace’s sake’) that says, “come what may, I must get my bride whether her family wants it or not.” Such an attitude may cause you to obtain your bride, trampling underfoot her family’s consent. An attitude that makes you think/believe that as far as you have won her over, her folks need not (at all, in any way) come into the scene; failing to realize that marriage is an institution that not only joins two hearts together (making them one) but also brings families into harmonies, peace, unity, a more cohesive, rich co-existence. It yields a peaceful atmosphere, thus adding very, very strongly to society’s glamour- hence the word “for national peace’s sake.”

Prayerfully (persistently) win her family’s heart, for it behooves you greatly. Of a certainty, marriage actually occurs between “the two” for “the two saith he, shall be one flesh.” Nevertheless, the two have come from a source each and these sources – their families, must be involved strongly, in one way or the other.

Exceptional cases occur when after you must have ‘done all’ you receive a “no” from your lover’s family. In such a condition, you might as well wittily have your bride/groom, ‘escape’ and leave them in peace or pieces even if they rent! For indeed the said marriage is complete with you, your lover, and God, Holy is He, the establisher!

10. My beloved spoke, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
After you must have done your ‘job’ as touching her family, boost her courage and confidence, restating, re-emphasizing your love, your devotion to her, all the time. It is in your powers, do it. Let her know she’s safely secured under your roof, under your shadows. Say to her Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. Come with me into the promise land, which you have been eagerly anticipating for a long time now!

… come away — come, let’s walk with graceful strides; come in unity of mind and spirit; and with us hand-in-hand joyfully, (with determination) moving forward. See to my strides, even as I see to yours and with a little effort on our part, God supplying the rest (in reality, supplying all) we will definitely come away, into our promise land, banqueting heartily.

...Rise up. ...lift up yourself, lift up your person. Boldly stand up, stand out. Show forth your true colors; uncompromisingly let your love flow forth like a river to your partner. Win love over to yourself by letting nothing steal your love- no, not even material things. Love is all- all enough, all you need, for then all others will easily, without much stress be added. Rise up, lift up your person and tell him that you love him. Rise up, discover, recover your love for your man; for your woman, pay anything to do this for in such is your Creator delighted. Rise up, RISE UP!

11. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
Yes, open your eyes and see. See that it is now ripe for us to be together, alone; for the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The hindrances have now given way; trying times are over (for you 2 have overcome a particular time of testing). Times of fears; times of panics are all gone; came and gone for good- yes! The good of us 2. Hindrances are stepping-stones; obstacles are friendly. Those trying times should never quench your love. Instead, use them as means to fan the love into flames.

… my love — Call your loved one, your flesh, your bone. Put up a powerful attitude, a gentlemanly savor before your spouse or spouse-to-be each day, each moment. Be persuasive, explaining to her/him the dawn of a new season, ‘forgetting’ the past; using the past to make great, the present, and the now. He/she should take up courage and awake and come alive to love. Understand that the winter is past, the rain is over and they are all gone. Now is the time to seize the opportunity and bask in love; and wallow in love. Forget about the sad times, the times of strong disagreements and even hateful feelings. Overcome evil with good. You are privileged; enjoy the ‘short’ time you have to spend in this life (your life in the flesh).

Never forget this— be very smart enough to hold HIS hands even as he calls on you. Rise up and link up with him; be a proper ‘help-meet’—in his business, concerns… in short, in all areas of his life. And never be surprised to see yourself saying (because of the results of your sweet union): “I’ve never felt like this before.”

12. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
We have to be together for beauty is all over, yes! Beauty is all over us. Without you, my glory is vague. Yes! Without you, I cannot be. Come, let’s dance together, undisturbed in the midst of beauty, in the midst of the flowers. Times of refreshing are up here on hand. Times of singing have come; times, occasions where we are so filled with love for each other. Dear, I wish to explode— hold me in your arms. Yes! Times where we ought to express our heart-felt desires, feelings (for each other) to each other.

It is my prayers, my sincere wishes that times like this fail not. Come, let’s sing; let’s rejoice for the battle is over. You are mine and I am now yours. We are now one. One, one—not two. One, the same, not different. One, one mind; one heart, one spirit. One, and as such true love flows. One, which is why I am not ashamed to stand naked before you! That’s why I am so bold in your presence. We have to sing; we have to rejoice; except our love is vague; except our love is artificial, unreal. O! We cannot hold back from singing, except we love in disguise. DARLING, shower me with YOUR LOVE. That’s what I’ve been waiting-- waiting eagerly, waiting earnestly, waiting patiently for.

…the time of singing is come… Yes! We have to sing for the time of ‘the singing’ is come. ‘The singing’, because it is purely reserved for us— (the two made one). The songs are meant for the two of us alone— songs that make us laugh and open ourselves to each other. Songs that act even as a sweet ointment, which refreshes our relationship. Songs that turn us into who we really ought to be like— little children. Because we partake of ‘the singing’, we are so plain to each other, we understand ourselves. And what is this singing? We alone understand the language for it is made manifest even as we gist, crack jokes, laugh, discuss (discuss even serious issues). It is seen even as WE PLAY.

… and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. This connotes a realm whereby that which is rare occurs. This shows the magnanimity of the relationship. It shows the peculiarity of the relationship. Hence, it should not be toyed with, neither taken lightly nor disregarded— in any way.

13. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Time of refreshing has truly come. Good times have come. He totally sees good fortunes. His eyes are blinded to anything negative. His memories are sharp. He foresees blessings, not curses. He is positively minded; his enlightenment is high. He sees no fear. He is so bold about the success of the relationship, about their future together and as such speaks convincingly, with reassurance saying: “Arise my love, my fair one, and come away.” He is telling her all is well; we are in a position to keep a home. We can run a family. Our being together is very, very ripe; we have come of age. It’s time to harvest fruits from our relationship. Come, let’s get married, come let’s be together. Come, let’s enjoy ourselves. It’s time, let’s avail ourselves to this splendid opportunity. And so, arise, cooperate with me; let’s be of one mind, agree with me, my beautiful one and come away (note that he sees her as very lovely, very comely; irrespective of how others see her).

Yes, come with me. Unite with me. Yes, you and you only. I am determined to give you my all, to do all within my reach (and even all not presently within my reach for I believe by tomorrow they will be within my reach).

A sensible, virtuous woman of rich principles will smell the aroma; sense the spirit of such a male voice (above). Yes, she has the well-trained ‘facilities’ to decipher whether a man is being ‘trickish’ or not. She can tell because she is not guided by words alone but by actions. She tells whether a man is actually communicating (the above or not). She can study a guy so well as to know whether he is a ‘Judas Iscariot’ or not. She ‘smells’ him and knows beyond (‘reasonable & unreasonable’) doubt who he actually is. And if/when she realizes that he is her bridegroom, she, on her part must not delay (unnecessarily). She arises, acknowledging him as hers in all totality. Realizing she is being consumed totally by him; allowing herself to dance to the sweet musical tunes and to be enveloped in that sacred atmosphere kept for them ONLY, she goes to him unreservedly.

14. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret of the stairs, let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice; for sweet is your voice, and your countenance comely.
O my dove: He continually sees her as wonderfully his, beautiful, wonderfully made to perfectly match him. Respect comes in here. He can appreciate her; love her all the days of his life in so much so they do not exchange ‘raw’ (insulting, demeaning) words (to each other). They do not fight/quarrel… (and the like). This is very, very possible ‘under the sun’ for with Christ, all things are very possible. Always, believe you can have a perfect relationship and you will at least have a near perfect one.

… in the cleft of the rock, in the secret of the stairs… Build your mind to seeing your spouse in a very vantage position; in a very important, useful position (or place in your life). Love her for who she is and not for what! (and vice-versa). Make progress to discover her even in her secrecy. Be patient, yet swift and carefully understand her.

She too on the other hand, has to avail herself; coming out of her shell, and making herself plain before him. Woman, open up yourself, avoid reservations. Don’t be afraid of him taking you for granted. Never forget that you relate with your lover with trust, respect, love and faith. If indeed he is yours, he’ll never betray your trust. He’ll accept you just as you are.

You might have some reasons for not ‘showing up’ totally, for not responding fully to his request, to his approaches (…let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice). Anyway, ‘knock off’ such reasons and in FAITH let your WHOLE PERSON approach him. Fear not, fret not, about what he might say/feel as touching one attribute or the other of yours. Simply believe that your lover, your "heart-throb" will appreciate your voice, your countenance. Believe he’ll respect your views, no matter what; believe he’ll not misinterpret your actions, decisions… Come out of your secret stairs and be straight (straightforward); for your ‘groom should tolerate you- just as you are.

Release yourself. Be open and plain before him. Release all tensions. Trust him to react positively, and see (with faith) him reacting maturely. And I tell you; love will flow through you in such an unlimited fashion that even crooked areas in the relationship will be made straight! Love and trust and faith are needful for you to come before him BOLDLY—giving him your opinions, your true colors and that good ‘groom must see love in them all.

15. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
Never give room to anything (no matter how minute an issue) to hinder your fellowship (the sweet fellowship that exists between the 2ofU). Frankly (and in love) ‘trash’ (resolve) every matter. Never give room for any leaven, knowing fully well that a little leaven, leavens the whole lump.

Take us the foxes… connotes the 2 of you jointly avoiding/removing that which is not of any enhancement to your fellowship. Do not try to do it all alone. Involve your partner. Let that matter (or issue) be totally resolved. It might be something that happened in the past. ‘Settle’ (resolve) it. Forget the past and make progress - forge ahead. Always remember that it is a joint effort. A good partner ought to be trustworthy, having a firm faith and prowess to be able to tackle everything maturely. Be in a position where you can be relied upon. A position where you are willing to remove, to put away (jointly) that which is of no benefit to you and your lover. For everything existing or allowed in your relationship must be tolerated NOT only by one party but by both parties à the 2 of U.

So, cooperate with him; be cooperative with her and take away the little foxes that spoil the vines… Note the words little foxes. No great or complex matter creeps up in a day to destroy a fellowship between lovers. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean. Also, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Little things, little problems (if not checked) are what develops into large, complex issues. And imagine! They are, in some cases not easily, swiftly detected.

Imagine this scenario: A little decline in her appearance! She cares less now about her looks than she did before they got married. She is not as smart and agile as she used to be. She’s somewhat developing some fatigue; she’s becoming a little bit lazy; she’s losing concentration on her man and focusing her attention more and more on the newborn baby! She’s now giving the children ALL of her time. She bothers so much about raising up the children properly, about the household chores… Having lost sensitivity, she invariably creates room for negligence. Much negligence of her husband sets in. Yes, having felt she has gained roots in the family, in the life of her man. Thus believing that no matter what, “he cannot leave me.” And when his behavior becomes ‘unbecoming’, she yells out. Woman search yourself.

Little foxes! How he shuns her admonitions, her contributions, and her ideas! How he allows wrong notions to penetrate into his ‘head’ simply because of the thought of him being the head of the house. Yes, his head becomes stubborn. He becomes heady. He refuses to listen; he fails to understand. He wants all knees to bow before him, willingly or unwillingly. “The head makes no mistakes” he feels. And as such, refuses to acknowledge and admit his errors, faults and ‘zeros’. He finds it hard to say: “I am sorry”; “I was wrong”; “you were right”; “thank you”; “I appreciate your efforts dearly”. He even believes adultery is not in his books. It is only in her books. His head is sick and as such he’s not acting like the Head anymore. Imagine a Head that is too heady to receive (or accept) corrections.

Watch out for the little foxes! They spoil the vine. They corrupt; they poison the relationship. They are what develop into larger, complicated issues. Funny enough, they may be so subtle that the couples cannot really understand why they are at loggerheads. The full (clear) reason(s) behind the decline of their relationship; behind their seemingly insurmountable problem(s) eludes them. In some cases, divorce sets in and some couples cannot state clearly the reason(s) for the divorce. No wonder, there are situations where the divorce is regretted. And in some cases, they look up again, for they truly love each other.

Little foxes can turn the ‘intelligent’ into a fool.

…for our vines have tender grapes. Little foxes have a greater tendency of destroying new relationships à for they are not fully matured. Hence the members (lovers) must all the more be watchful and careful for their vines have tender grapes. Hardly would you find such foxes destroying long-term, ‘solid’, firm relationships. Hence, “a marriage that has come a long way has made a headway”.

Couples should always learn to give and not to take. Give your time, love and efforts unconditionally. Master yourselves, understand each other and cause your grapes to mature!

16. My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feeds among the lilies.
Respond to his call to take away the foxes. See him as yours; possess him. Strongly (positively) influence him, acknowledge/admit him as someone who is one with you. You two are one and the same. For the man that loves not his wife hates his own body and vice versa.

Respond to his godly innovations and both of you should ‘put heads together for a headway’. Be aware that two heads are far better than one. For if one falls, the other will lift him up; but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.

Respond to him with his praises in your heart and on your lips for he feeds among the lilies. He is rich; he is a wealth of knowledge, he sees to your security. Have faith in him. A genuine husband must strive for mastery. He must strive to feed among the lilies, to pasture his flock among the lilies.

Be explorative, be creative, and be industrious. Display diligence. Never give room for laziness, rather show forth a hard working spirit. Let (at least) your wife be very, very proud of you. Then she’ll cooperate with you. She’ll be willing to invest her whole life à time, efforts, resources… into your life, into the relationship.

How do you feed among the lilies? ‘Gun’ for the best; aim for the highest. Be a man of great aspirations in your very field. Let (by your actions) your family see your efforts, your determinations to make things work. Be a determined, hard working husband. Never spend your day with fools! Be with the wise and you will learn. You can easily lead your entire family, if only with patience, hard work and determination you map out your formula and see to it that it works!

She declares: he feeds among the lilies. A virtuous bride supports her spouse. Be supportive. Encourage him day in, day out. See to his welfare, his well-being. Don’t be a NAGGER! Yes, no matter what. Such principles do not work. See him succeeding even when it seems he is not. For you attract what you believe. You receive as much as your eyes can see.

The more you appreciate him, his person, his all, the more an oneness, would exist that binds the two of you. At least, appreciate the little things! Oneness will cause you to share all things in common. All means all – including finances. In a matured relationship, there is nothing like “this is mine”, “that is yours”. Rather, it is “ this is ours”. If indeed he is yours and you are his, then both of you are ONE. Being one, you share all things in common. This is a genuine (ideal) relationship, a wonderful fellowship—most cherished, though rare. It can be yours, if only you believe in its possibility. For with God, nothing is impossible. Yes, nothing! Operating in the dimensions of the flesh (the senses, the natural) alone would not actualize the full potentials and blessings embedded in (available in) Song of Solomon. Higher dimensions must be implemented. God can work beyond your dreams and imaginations. You can move off that mountain in your relationship (if any). Simply have FAITH.

Also, in exhibiting goodness and friendliness, you will be, as it were, feeding among the lilies!

17. Until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved and be you like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away… connotes progress being achieved, success, and breakthrough being attained. See the breaking of day in your relationship. Believe you will win him (or her) over. See brightness enveloping your fellowship, your communion, your ‘love-circle’. Face realities for the shadows are out. The hindrances are all out, no matter how insurmountable they were. Truly, their weights have been pulled down. Handle your fellowship maturely and with patience. Cause her to turn, and be smart. Touch her with the touch that inspires her to respond to your moves! Induce (by your actions, your lifestyle) ‘agility’ in her. Yes, agility in different ways—in her life. In her dealings with people and with you (most especially) both in and out of bed.

The verse connotes a situation where the male voice is ardently persuasive telling the female to improve, to grow. Motivating her to express her lovely being. She needs to be graceful. So, turn, O woman, and sooth him. Be strong and do not hinder the fellowship. Also, be bold.

Even your role, the way you conduct yourself in love making (love coupling) goes a long way in causing her to turn, to yield, to surrender, to give her all. Alas, he encourages her to be energetic, and to bask in prolonged love-play, love coupling – until the day breaks, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved and be you like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

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Sex, a treasure to the possessor
A gift to the successor
Cheated sometimes
Silver tongues with dimes
Taken when not given
Puts you in prison
Emotionally scared
Sometimes makes a retard
That’s bad.

- Trevor J.B. Simmons
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