Proverbs 5:16

16 Shall your springs be scattered outward? In the streets, [shall there be] streams of water?

Proverbs 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 5:16

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad
Or "shall abound", as the Targum; that is, streams of water from fountains; which Aben Ezra interprets of a multitude of children, namely, that are lawfully begotten: the "fountains" are the man and his wife in lawful marriage; the streams are their offspring lawfully procreated by them; which may be said to be "dispersed abroad", when being grown up they are disposed of in marriage in other families, and so become fountains to others, and public blessings; [and] rivers of waters in the streets;
meaning a numerous posterity as before; and such as a man is not ashamed publicly to own, whereas he is ashamed of such as are unlawfully begotten; but these are to his honour in the streets, and for public good; and particularly to those to whom they are given in marriage; see ( Isaiah 48:1 ) . Jarchi interprets this of multiplying disciples, and of teaching them the law publicly, and of getting a name thereby; but it might be interpreted much better of spreading the doctrines of the Gospel, and of the public ministry and profession of that, for the good of others.

Proverbs 5:16 In-Context

14 I was almost at utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation."
15 Drink water from your [own] cistern and flowing waters from inside your own well.
16 Shall your springs be scattered outward? In the streets, [shall there be] streams of water?
17 May they be yours alone, and not for strangers [who are] with you.
18 May your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.