Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Should your springsThe term "springs" in this context is metaphorical, representing the source of life and vitality, often associated with one's intimate and personal life. In Hebrew, the word for "springs" is "maqor," which can also mean a fountain or wellspring. This imagery suggests something precious and life-giving, meant to be protected and cherished. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, water sources were vital for survival, symbolizing sustenance and prosperity. The rhetorical question implies that such a valuable resource should not be squandered or exposed to public misuse. flow in the streets The phrase "flow in the streets" evokes the image of something that is uncontrolled and exposed to the public. In the Hebrew context, "streets" (rechovot) were places of commerce and public interaction, not meant for private or sacred matters. The imagery here warns against allowing what is meant to be private and sacred to become common and profane. This serves as a caution against the indiscriminate sharing of one's intimate life, which should be reserved for the sanctity of marriage. your streams of water "Streams of water" further emphasizes the idea of life-giving resources. In Hebrew, "streams" (palgey) can refer to channels or divisions of water, suggesting a deliberate and purposeful direction. Water, in biblical symbolism, often represents purity, cleansing, and life. The use of "your" personalizes the message, indicating that these streams belong to the individual and should be managed with care and responsibility. This highlights the importance of stewardship over one's personal and relational resources. in the public squares The "public squares" were central places in ancient cities where people gathered for social, political, and economic activities. The Hebrew term "rechovot" for "squares" suggests openness and exposure. The rhetorical question implies that what is meant to be private should not be displayed or shared in such a public and indiscriminate manner. This serves as a metaphorical warning against the dangers of infidelity and the public exposure of one's private life, urging believers to maintain the sanctity and exclusivity of their marital relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, who provides guidance on moral and ethical living. 2. The Streets and Public Squares- Metaphorical places representing public and communal areas where private matters should not be exposed. 3. Springs and Streams of Water- Symbolic of one's personal and intimate resources, often interpreted as one's sexual purity or marital fidelity. Teaching Points Guarding Personal PurityJust as springs and streams are precious and should be protected, so should one's purity and fidelity be guarded against public exposure and misuse. Value of Marital FidelityThe verse underscores the importance of keeping intimate matters within the sanctity of marriage, highlighting the value of a faithful relationship. Consequences of Public ExposureAllowing personal matters to become public can lead to shame and dishonor, emphasizing the need for discretion and wisdom in relationships. Wisdom in RelationshipsSolomon's wisdom teaches us to cherish and protect our relationships, ensuring they are nurtured in private rather than exposed to public scrutiny. Cultural RelevanceIn today's society, where personal lives are often shared publicly, this verse serves as a reminder to maintain boundaries and respect the sanctity of marriage. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "springs" and "streams of water" in Proverbs 5:16 relate to the concept of personal purity and marital fidelity? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of guarding our "springs" in the context of modern relationships and social media? 3. How do the surrounding verses in Proverbs 5 help us understand the importance of discretion in our personal lives? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our intimate relationships remain private and honored, as suggested by this verse? 5. How do the teachings in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Hebrews 13:4 reinforce the message of Proverbs 5:16 regarding the sanctity of marriage and personal purity? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 5:15-18These verses provide context, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity and the joy found in a committed relationship. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20Paul speaks about the sanctity of the body and the importance of sexual purity, aligning with the themes of Proverbs 5. Hebrews 13:4This verse underscores the honor of marriage and the need to keep the marriage bed pure, resonating with the message of Proverbs 5:16. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abroad, Broad, Broadways, Courses, Dispersed, Flowing, Forth, Fountains, Open, Overflow, Places, Poured, Public, Rivers, Rivulets, Scattered, Springs, Squares, Streams, Streets, Water-brooks, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 5:1-23 5276 crime 5481 proverb Proverbs 5:15-16 4293 water Proverbs 5:15-18 4236 fountain Proverbs 5:15-19 4221 cistern 5709 marriage, purpose Library The Cords of Sin 'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.'--PROVERBS v. 22. In Hosea's tender picture of the divine training of Israel which, alas! failed of its effect, we read, 'I drew them with cords of a man,' which is further explained as being 'with bands of love.' The metaphor in the prophet's mind is probably that of a child being 'taught to go' and upheld in its first tottering steps by leading-strings. God drew Israel, though Israel did not yield … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLast Things A sermon (No. 667) delivered on Sunday morning, December 31, 1865 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "At the last."--Proverbs 5:11. The wise man saw the young and simple straying into the house of the strange woman. The house seemed so completely different from what he knew it to be that he desired to shed a light upon it, that the young man might not sin in the dark, but might understand the nature of his deeds. The wise man looked abroad and he saw but one lamp suitable … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin A Sermon (No. 915) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 13th, 1870 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." -- Proverbs 5:22. The first sentence has reference to a net in which birds or beasts are taken. The ungodly man first of all finds sin to be a bait, and charmed by its apparent pleasantness he indulges in it and then he becomes entangled in its meshes so that he cannot … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin The first sentence of the text also may have reference to an arrest by an officer of law. The transgressor's own sins shall take him, shall seize him; they bear a warrant for arresting him, they shall judge him, they shall even execute him. Sin, which at the first bringeth to man a specious pleasure, ere long turneth into bitterness, remorse, and fear. Sin is a dragon, with eyes like stars, but it carrieth a deadly sting in its tail. The cup of sin, with rainbow bubbles on its brim, is black with … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 16: 1870 How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished. (Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. (Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches. Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III "The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed. That what we are to speak to for the clearing and improving this noble piece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearly understood and edifying, we shall first take notice of some generals, and then show particularly how or in what respects Christ is called the Truth; and finally speak to some cases wherein we are to make use of Christ as the Truth. As to the first. There are four general things here to be noticed. 1. This supposeth what our case by nature is, and what we are all … John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Thirdly, for Thy Actions. 1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Right Understanding of the Law Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Second Great Group of Parables. (Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] … J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Proverbs Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 5:16 NIVProverbs 5:16 NLTProverbs 5:16 ESVProverbs 5:16 NASBProverbs 5:16 KJV
Proverbs 5:16 Commentaries
Bible Hub |