"But my own vineyard I have not kept." Song of Solomon 1:6 NKJV
The word 'Vineyard' is a metaphor for the female body. Here the Shulamite woman has possibly been burnt by the sun. This has probably been caused because she has been caring for her brother's vineyards - his wives, instead of herself. This neglect has darkened her skin.
We can so easily neglect ourselves because of the need to care for others. Neglect can rule quite prominently in most areas of our lives. The house can be neglected, the garden, even our daily life with Jesus. It is good to serve others but, not at the risk of neglecting ourselves, our family and our responsibilities. Imagine neglecting a marriage. After a time, it can lead to adultery where the neglected partner seeks the attention and solace with someone who may meet their needs at the time. This is a common area.
Then of course, is the neglect of our health. A person may not feel well but, they will not give in and visit a doctor to get things checked out. They are too busy. The cleanliness of self, the house, all the jobs around the home and the children's needs are other areas that can be neglected. Even our jobs can suffer, not turning up on time or at all; continually taking time off work. These are all important issues that are prone to neglect if we allow them to.
Imagine your car. Looked after, it can go on for many years. However, if you fail to have it serviced, neglect the lights on the dashboard and those rattling noises and flat tyres, pretty soon, the car will breakdown in the middle of nowhere, or worse, there may be a nasty accident. We can't neglect these things, and we can't neglect the daily, important things in our own lives and family either.
We need to balance things out and set priorities. The Shulamite woman would not have burnt her skin if she had been more careful. The same may be said of you as well. Be determined to set priorities and avoid neglect at all times
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
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