Proverbs chapter 5, verses 15 through 23:
“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.”
VERSE CONTEXT
The book of Proverbs, written primarily by King Solomon, is filled with wisdom concerning righteous living, the fear of the Lord, and moral integrity. Proverbs chapter 5 is a direct warning against adultery and the dangers of sexual immorality. The first half of the chapter, verses 1 through 14, warns against the allure of the “strange woman” (the adulterous or immoral woman). Solomon describes how her words may seem sweet like honey at first, but they lead to destruction and death. He stresses that those who follow her path will be filled with deep regret, disgrace, and sorrow.
However, in verses 15 through 23, Solomon shifts the focus. Instead of merely warning against adultery, he presents a positive, God-honoring vision of marriage. This section exalts the sacredness of the marital bond, portraying it as a wellspring of satisfaction, joy, and lifelong commitment. He commands faithfulness and encourages husbands to delight in their wives, rather than seeking pleasure in forbidden relationships. The passage ends with a solemn reminder that God sees everything, and those who reject His wisdom will be bound by their own sin.
BROADER CONTEXT
The book of Proverbs often contrasts wisdom and foolishness, righteousness and wickedness, life and death. Chapter 5 follows this pattern by presenting two distinct paths:
- The path of adultery and sin (verses 1-14) leads to ruin, shame, and regret.
- The path of marital faithfulness and love (verses 15-23) leads to blessing, joy, and divine favor.
Marriage, in the Bible, is established as a holy covenant (Genesis chapter 2, verses 24: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”). It is a sacred institution ordained by God for companionship, love, and purity. Solomon’s wisdom in this passage aligns with God’s design—faithfulness in marriage is not just a duty but a source of great joy.
This message is echoed throughout Scripture:
- Hebrews chapter 13, verse 4: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
- Malachi chapter 2, verse 14: “The Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.”
APPLICATION
1. Appreciating God’s Greatness
Marriage is a divine gift from God, a sacred covenant that reflects His own love for His people. Just as God remains faithful to His covenant, He calls husbands and wives to remain faithful to each other. The beauty of marriage is not just in its companionship, but in its design as a lifelong commitment of love, sacrifice, and mutual fulfillment.
2. For the Believer
Solomon’s words call believers to cherish and protect the sanctity of marriage. The imagery of a cistern and well represents an exclusive source of satisfaction—just as a well supplies water for life, a godly marriage supplies fulfillment and joy.
Call to Action:
- If you are married, honor your spouse. Find joy in your husband or wife, and cultivate a love that grows deeper over time.
- If you are single, respect the sanctity of marriage. Prepare yourself for a godly union by living a life of purity and self-discipline.
- Pray for marriages—your own, your friends’, and those in your church. The enemy constantly seeks to destroy what God has ordained as holy.
3. For the Unbeliever
For those who do not yet follow Christ, this passage shows the stark reality of sin and its consequences. Solomon warns that those who reject wisdom will be ensnared by their own choices, trapped in a cycle of sin and destruction. But there is hope! Christ offers redemption, forgiveness, and the ability to walk in righteousness. The first step is to turn away from sin and trust in Him.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Marriage is not merely a human contract—it is a sacred covenant designed by God. Proverbs chapter 5, verses 15 through 23 calls us to revere, honor, and celebrate marriage as God intended. A husband should find his joy in his wife, and a wife should find her joy in her husband. The world may cheapen marriage, but God has established it as a blessing, a refuge, and a testimony of His own faithfulness. Let us uphold this holy institution with reverence and gratitude.
Believers of Biblical Truth 
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