What does "drink water from your own cistern" symbolize in Proverbs 5:15? Setting the Scene Proverbs 5 is a father’s heartfelt plea that his son avoid the devastation of adultery. After warning about the “forbidden woman,” Solomon shifts from danger to delight—calling his son to enjoy the blessings God has already provided in marriage. Understanding the Picture of the Cistern • “Drink water from your own cistern” (Proverbs 5:15) employs a household image familiar to every ancient Israelite. • A cistern stored precious rainwater; a well supplied fresh, flowing water. Both belonged to the owner alone. • In the flow of Proverbs 5, the cistern/well is a metaphor for a man’s own wife. • Just as drawing from another man’s well would be theft, so seeking sexual intimacy outside marriage is robbery and sin (Exodus 20:14). • The literal call: be satisfied and refreshed solely within God-ordained marriage, not by illicit relationships. What the Symbol Teaches about Marriage • Exclusivity: marital intimacy is designed for one man and one woman who are “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). • Satisfaction: God intends husband and wife to experience real joy together—“May your fountain be blessed” (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Protection: fidelity guards the heart, body, and legacy from the bitter aftermath described in Proverbs 5:9-11. • Stewardship: just as maintaining a cistern kept water pure, nurturing marriage keeps love fresh (Ephesians 5:25-28). Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard the covenant—commit unreserved loyalty to your spouse in thought, word, and deed. • Cultivate delight—invest time, affection, and creativity in your marriage so the “water” stays sweet. • Set boundaries—flee situations that tempt you to drink elsewhere (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Honor marriage publicly—speak well of your spouse; let others see faithfulness lived out (Hebrews 13:4). Related Scriptures • Proverbs 5:18-20—“May your fountain be blessed… why embrace the bosom of a stranger?” • 1 Corinthians 7:2-5—mutual commitment meets legitimate desires and defends against temptation. • Song of Songs 4:12—“A garden locked is my sister, my bride,” echoing the same guarded exclusivity. • Malachi 2:15—“Guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.” In Proverbs 5:15, then, the Spirit invites every husband and wife to forsake forbidden streams and to drink deeply, gratefully, and exclusively from the refreshing well God has given—marriage itself. |
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