Wednesday Bible Class at Central Haywood Church of Christ · October 14, 2026 · Teacher: Jeff Arnette
Set Apart — The Traditions That Shape God’s People
Lesson 6, Part 4 — The Only One
Scripture: Song of Solomon 6:9b; discussion also includes 6:11, 1 Samuel 1, 1 Corinthians 13, and Paul’s encouragement in Philippians to focus on what is good.
These are summarized companion notes from the recorded teaching, not a verbatim transcript.
Watch the class below.
Class summary
The women in Song of Solomon 6:9 praise someone they might have regarded as a rival. This class asks what their response reveals about her character and their own, then brings the question home: can we be happy for someone who receives the very thing we wanted? The discussion examines envy, comparison, and the difference between polite words and a changed heart.
Notice who is offering the praise
The young women, queens, and concubines have reasons to feel threatened by Solomon’s praise of his beloved. Yet they call her blessed and speak well of her. Jeff contrasts that response with the rivalry surrounding Hannah and with Rachel and Leah. The surprising praise invites us to consider how we treat people whose success seems to diminish our own place.
Consider a life without competing for position
Turning to Song of Solomon 6:11, the class discusses the woman’s interest in the orchard and vineyard. Jeff describes her as accustomed to ordinary work and interprets her conduct as showing little interest in competing for status. He notes that the passage does not explicitly describe her spiritual practices. The application is to humility: how we live among others can give even potential rivals reasons to speak well of us.
Examine the comparison beneath our words
It can be easier to avoid saying something hurtful than to stop feeling jealous. A better job, home, relationship, or another family’s apparent happiness may expose feelings of inadequacy or resentment. Social media can intensify that comparison by showing only a small, favorable glimpse of someone’s life. The class urges us to name those feelings honestly and to consider whether we can praise another person out loud when that person has received something we wanted.
Bring the struggle to God
The discussion points to prayer, gratitude, and keeping Christ before us as our example. Jeff connects the challenge with the love described in 1 Corinthians 13 and with Jesus’ concern for those who crucified him. Growth requires God’s help and continuing effort. Focusing on the good we have, rather than only on what we lack, helps redirect the thoughts that feed envy.
Practice the character we hope others will see
The closing challenge has two sides: become someone others have good reason to praise, and become someone who speaks well of other people. That includes resisting gossip, refusing to damage another person’s reputation, and learning to rejoice in another person’s good. The class acknowledges that this remains a struggle even for longtime Christians.
Class timeline
00:00 — Reviewing the previous discussion of promises and “the only one.”
02:53 — Turning to Song of Solomon 6:9 and the praise of the other women.
13:20 — Comparing the rivalry surrounding Hannah, Rachel, and Leah.
15:12 — Turning to verse 11 and discussing the woman’s character.
20:03 — Why is it hard to be happy for someone who receives what we wanted?
29:45 — Distinguishing outward restraint from inward jealousy.
37:15 — Prayer, gratitude, and dependence on Christ.
46:00 — The closing challenge to live well and speak well of others.
Reflection and application
Whose good fortune has been difficult for you to celebrate? What does that reaction reveal about your own expectations? Bring the struggle to God in prayer, name something you are thankful for, and look for an honest way to speak well of that person. Consider both the words you say and the thoughts you keep to yourself.