The "Song of Solomon" showcases to us a dramatic and romantic love relationship between the Shulamite woman and her lover. Of course we all know that this book of the Bible portrays to us the very intimate and passionate love that God has for us, especially between Jesus and the church. As such, we should learn from it.

'Catch the little foxes'

One of the most profound things that Solomon teaches us in the book of Songs is that we should get rid of parasites or those seemingly insignificant things that can actually harm and destroy many important things in our lives, including our relationship with God and our marriage. He says in Song of Solomon 2:15,

"Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!"

What are these foxes?

Solomon used foxes to illustrate the damage that seemingly insignificant things can bring into our lives. These foxes are shown to be damaging to vineyards, and even as little as they are, they can cause a vineyard to stop producing much fruit.

In the same way, the foxes mentioned are symbolic of anything that might ruin our relationship with God, as well as our marriages. We have to be careful not to allow them to attack and infiltrate our lives, and ruin our walk with God and with our spouses in the long run.

'The grapevines are blossoming'

Consider well what Solomon said in that verse, saying "the grapevines are blossoming." He could very well mean that the relationship is growing, and is producing much fruit. Think about it.

The Bible says that Jesus is the True Vine to whom we are attached as branches (see John 15). In order for us to bear fruit to the glory of the Father, we all need to abide in Him. If the little foxes intervene and we are unable to deal with them, we will soon find ourselves unable to bear fruit.

This is the same in marriage. You could be having a great time with your spouse, raising your children in the way that they should go. Just one small, seemingly insignificant mistake is needed before it could all crumble. Take good care of your marriage – get rid of those foxes.

Catch them all

We have to catch and take all the foxes out of our lives and relationships. Here are just some ways to recognise them:

- They take your attention away from God or your spouse;

- They tempt you to compromise your relationship with God or your spouse; and

- They sap the joy and excitement out of your relationship with God or your spouse.

When we see anything that has this effect in our lives, we have to decide to take them out without regretting it. It's all worth it.