How can Proverbs 5:16 guide us in maintaining purity in relationships? A Picture of Exclusive Refreshment – Proverbs 5:16 “Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?” What the Image Means • Springs/fountains = the intimate life God entrusts to each person or married couple • Streets/public squares = places that are open, common, indiscriminate • Rhetorical force = “Of course not!” Your God-given intimacy is never meant for public consumption; it is reserved for covenant marriage (vv. 15, 17). Why God Guards Intimacy • Purity protects the covenant picture of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). • It shields hearts from regret and soul-ties with “strangers” (Proverbs 5:3-14). • It honors the indwelling Spirit, for our bodies are His temple (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Living Out the Principle Today • Treasure privacy – Treat emotional and physical affection as valuables meant for the spouse God gives, not for public display or casual relationships. • Set clear boundaries – Decide in advance where you will and will not let “streams flow” (places you go, media you view, conversations you entertain). • Guard the eyes and mind – Job 31:1 reminds us to “make a covenant with our eyes.” What enters the imagination can soon look for a street to flow down. • Choose community and accountability – Proverbs 13:20: walk with the wise. Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about your online habits, dating practices, and thought life. • Invest in marriage (or preparation for it) – Hebrews 13:4 calls the marriage bed pure. Date nights, open communication, and shared spiritual pursuits keep the wellspring vibrant at home, so it does not seek the street. Strength From Related Passages • Songs 4:12 – “A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – God’s will is “your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” • Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Putting It Into Practice This Week • Review entertainment choices and close any “street drain” where purity may be leaking. • Speak words of exclusive commitment to your spouse—or write a personal purity pledge if single. • Memorize Proverbs 5:15-17 to keep the image vivid: your spring is God’s gift; keep it flowing only where He intends. When we refuse to let our fountains run in public squares, we honor the Designer of intimacy, protect our own joy, and shine a compelling witness of holiness in a world that treats purity as optional. |
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