“His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend.” (Song of Solomon 5:16, ESV)

Today’s passage begins with the young women of Jerusalem asking the Shulamite, “Why is your lover better than all others, O woman of rare beauty?” She then describes his many desirable qualities. Earlier, he complemented her for her lovely features. People in love delight to affirm one another. How harmful it is when they criticize and blame each other!

The woman says that the mouth of her beloved is most sweet. By this she refers to his speech, which is warm, affectionate and kind. He has found the way to her heart through words expressing how much he cherishes her. She is attracted to him and claims him as her beloved and friend.

God said, “It is not good that man is alone.” One of His greatest gifts is the lifelong companionship between a husband and wife. This requires the husband to daily invest in his wife, and the wife to daily invest in her husband.

We read about Jesus:

“Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips.” (Luke 4:22a, NLT)

Listen to how He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Consider what he said to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery (John 8). Observe how graciously He restored Peter three times after Peter denied Him three times (John 21). Think about how gentle and patient He has been with us! And we will say with the Shulamite, “His mouth is most sweet, and He is altogether desirable. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend.”