Proverbs 5:16

16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?

Proverbs 5:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
ESV
16 Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?
NLT
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone?
MSG
16 It's true. Otherwise, you may one day come home and find your barrel empty and your well polluted.
CSB
16 Should your springs flow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

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 And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?
17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
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