TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of November 17-23, 2025, Be a wall, not a gate, Prepared Talk.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, November 17-23, 2025, Be a wall, not a door, Prepared Speech.

Be a wall, not a door (10 mins.)

Dear brothers and sisters, in the Song of Songs we find a spiritual gem that teaches a very valuable lesson for young people today. It tells of a faithful young woman, the Shulammite, whose example can help us remain pure and steadfast in the face of worldly pressures. Her story teaches us the importance of being like a wall, not a gate. Let's see what this means.

The Shulammite woman's brothers wanted her to remain chaste.

Apparently, Solomon finally allowed the Shulammite woman to return home. When her brothers saw her coming, they wondered, “Who is this woman coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?” (Song of Solomon 8:5).

They remembered something they had said years before, when their sister was still young:

LET'S READ THE SONG OF SONGS 8:8, 9

“We have a little sister, and she has no breasts yet. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is asked to be married?” 9 “If she is a wall, we will build battlements of silver on her; but if she is a door, we will secure it with a cedar plank.”

What did they mean by that? They wanted their sister to remain pure and steadfast, like a wall protecting what lies within. But if she were like a door—that is, if she was easily influenced by others or succumbed to the pressures of premature romantic feelings—they would find a way to protect her.

In other words, the Shulammite woman's brothers were concerned about her chastity and her reputation. And although they may not have fully understood it at the time, their sister proved that she could remain steadfast, like a wall that does not crumble in the face of temptation.

She felt at peace because she had managed to resist temptation.

The Shulammite woman could say with complete confidence:

LET'S READ THE SONG OF SONGS 8:10

“I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Therefore, in his eyes, I have become like someone who finds peace.”

What beautiful words! She didn't speak with pride, but with contentment and peace. She had resisted all temptations, made the right choices, maintained her integrity, and not let herself be swayed by pressure or fleeting emotions.

His faithfulness gave him something the world cannot offer: peace and tranquility. That peace comes from knowing that one has done what is right in God's eyes.

Today, young people face many similar trials. Social media, music, movies, and societal pressures can stir up desires prematurely. But the Shulammite woman teaches us that true love is not rushed. She did not want to “stir up love before its time” (Song of Solomon 8:4).

When a young man stands firm like a wall, he not only avoids the consequences of immorality, but also enjoys a clean conscience, emotional stability, and Jehovah's blessing.

The Shulamite woman is an example of chastity for young people.

The Shulamite woman was an extraordinary example of moral purity and spiritual maturity.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 2:10, 11

“When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge becomes pleasant to your soul, 11 the ability to think will watch over you and discernment will protect you.”

She knew the heart can deceive, and so she didn't let herself be carried away by the impulses of the moment. She remained steadfast, waiting for the right time and the right person. That's why her story invites young people today to reflect: Am I being like a wall or like a door?

Being a wall means having firm convictions. It means setting clear boundaries, deciding in advance what you won't do and who you won't get romantically involved with. Being a door, on the other hand, means giving in to curiosity, opening yourself up to temptation, or justifying small concessions.

But the Shulammite woman's example shows that it is possible to remain pure in an impure world. Her loyalty brought her peace and respect. She did not lose her dignity or her joy. Her beloved regarded her with appreciation and tranquility, not with guilt or remorse.

Illustration:

In the image in our activity guide, we see three Israelite men standing with their arms crossed in front of a stone wall. This reminds us of the importance of building and maintaining a wall of purity and chastity in our lives. Like the stone wall, we must be firm and secure in our convictions and values.

In this sense, as Christians, we can reflect on how to help the single people in our congregation build a wall of purity and chastity in their lives. We must allow them to make their own decisions, just as the Shulamite woman did, and not encourage them to seek a partner before they feel ready.

In this way, we can support them in their spiritual and emotional growth, and help them find the peace and tranquility that come from living in accordance with their values.

Conclusion

Dear young people, being a wall in this world is not easy. The pressures to give in, to have a partner, or to experiment with love are very strong. But remember: Jehovah blesses those who remain steadfast and pure.

The Shulammite woman could confidently say, “I am a wall.” And you too can say that if you choose to remain faithful to Jehovah. Don’t rush into love.

Don't let others decide for you. Be strong, protect your heart and your values. Because when you are a wall, not a door, you can find what the Shulammite woman found: peace, dignity, and God's approval.