Hair Like What?

Hair like What?

Q: To what is the woman’s hair compared in the book of Song of Songs?

• a. a swarm of bees
• b. a school of fish
• c. a flock of goats

Has anyone ever given you a compliment? Maybe he or she said you had beautiful eyes or good coordination. Perhaps the person said you had good handwriting or a talent for singing. Perhaps the person said your hair was shiny, or maybe that it was like a flock of goats. Wait! Would you consider that a compliment?

It would be a compliment if you lived at the time the book of Song of Songs was written. Hair was important, and it wasn’t uncommon to compare hair to the fleece of a fine flock of goats. These weren’t goats like in the petting area at the zoo. The goats from Mount Gilead were well-fed goats with long, smooth, glistening hair.

Even though hair like a flock of goats was a sincere and appreciated compliment in the days of Solomon (the author of Song of Songs), it wouldn’t be taken that way today. But an honest compliment is one way to make someone’s day. It shows a person you are aware of him or her and care about that person’s feelings.

If you aren’t used to complimenting others, it may feel awkward at first, but it doesn’t have to. A simple “Nice outfit” or “Good job on your math test” is all that’s needed.

It’s important to graciously accept compliments too. Perhaps someone says she likes your jacket, but it’s an old one that you don’t like that well. Don’t downplay the compliment by saying, “I hate this old thing.” A simple “thank you” is all that’s needed.

Want to make someone’s day? Pay that person an honest compliment. See how he or she responds.

For You

Look for someone who’s having a rough day and give that person a word of encouragement or a compliment. Kind words are free, and they make a difference.

Answer: c

You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead.   Song of Songs 4:1

(The Whole Story: Song of Songs 4:1-15)