Before raunchy romantic paperbacks, before bone-chilling suspense novels, before empowering personal development books became a billion dollar industry, there was one book that combined intrigue with drama, action packed tales with gripping scenes of horror, and self help advice with guidelines for a purposeful life. This best-selling book is the Bible.
The Bible is a fast paced book from the very beginning. In the first few pages of the opening chapter, the story of the Garden of Eden unfolds. Here we can see the first instance of a pattern that has played out numerous times since. It goes like this: Man gives up a rib (in today’s world the equivalent of a lot of time, money and effort) to get the woman. For a while all is well, then they take things for granted – he becomes inattentive, she becomes bored. Sensing weakness, a third-party enters the picture and creates division between them. Eventually both the woman and the man commit an act that splinters their relationship. And of course, when confronted with the mess they have both made of things, the man blames it all on the woman.
The Garden of Eden should be required reading for every one considering marriage.
If you read the first chapter and are still infatuated with couple-dom, you will thoroughly enjoy the 22nd chapter of the Bible, called the Song of Solomon. This is probably one of the first love song duets ever captured in writing. If you need lines to heat up the passion in your relationship, this is the place to go for ideas. In the song, a couple utter loving nothings back and forth:
She speaks: Kiss me tenderly!
Your love is better than wine,
And you smell so sweet.
...the very mention of your name is like spreading perfume.
Let the north wind blow
Let it spread the aroma
Of my garden,
So that the one I love
May enter and taste
Its delicious fruits.
And not to be out-done He says: My darling, I love you!
You are my dove.
Let me hear the sound
Of your melodious voice.
Your lips are crimson cords,
Your mouth is shapely;
Behind your veil are hidden
Beautiful rosy cheeks.
Turn away your eyes –
They make me melt.
Those are some of the mentionable parts of the Song of Solomon. There are descriptions and cooing that are scandalous – I can’t share those among polite company, you have to read those yourself. One reading of this beautiful song and it is clear that romance Old Testament style was not that different from romance in the New Internet-age.
The Bible is also one of the best self help books ever written. So often we worry about whether or not we are worthy to lead. However, the Bible is a great place to wake up to reality and realize that from time immemorial people have risen to leadership not because they were perfect but in spite of their short-comings. David had the capabilities of a seasoned commander before he was even an adult as he displayed in his epic battle with the giant Goliath which is detailed in the Bible. David had such a unique mix of respectfulness, confidence, and courage that the son of his greatest rival stood with him and became his closest ally. Yet David was not flawless – he sent a man to his death because he wanted the man’s wife, and his personal life had some rather unrighteous moments. Then there was Joseph who rose to become an administrator so astute his plans saved the people of Egypt from being ravaged by a long famine. Joseph was a boastful, egotistical child and later a jail-bird before he learnt how to use his wings and eventually soared to leadership.
I find the Bible very comforting. If you need a reminder to give yourself a break and cut yourself some slack, consult the Bible. When I struggle with my speeches I relax myself by thinking of Moses. Here was man so worthy and exceptional that God personally handpicked him to lead a nation to the Promised Land and deliver the 10 Commandments to the world. Moses with all this great power had an ungodly fear of public speaking. He is recorded in Exodus, in the Bible as saying to God:
“I have never been a good speaker.
I wasn’t before you spoke to me, and I am not one now.
I am slow at speaking, and I never think of what to say. ...
Please send someone else to do it.”
The first public speech on record required a miracle to be successful; no wonder public speaking is regarded as intimidating to this day.
What the Bible doesn’t say can be as interesting as what it does say. The last verses of the book of Proverbs are dedicated to describing “a Good Wife”.
It praises her: “She works hard...
She is strong and graceful
As well as cheerful
Her words are sensible...
And her advice is thoughtful...”
I read that section of Proverbs and think “why is there no equivalent passage on the ‘Good Husband’ “? A friend of mine has suggested that it is because the Bible draws the line at miracles, it does not stretch to impossible fantasy.
The Bible is relevant, inspiring and racy because – after we strip away the narrow label of religious text and the limited perception of it being a stiff book about rules – it’s really a collection of stories about people – flawed, wonderful, colourful people like ourselves. So forget the trashy paperback books and pick-up your Bible during the summer. Who knows, by the time the winter evenings roll around, you may have learnt a thing or two that helps you to keep warmer. And if not, I’m sure in this literary masterpiece you’ll come across some other wisdom that you’ll think is just heavenly.
(July 2008)
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