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

Verse Takeaways

1

The Public Fruit of Private Purity

Commentators interpret this verse as a rhetorical question about the public benefits of a faithful marriage. The 'springs' and 'streams' symbolize the blessings, primarily a numerous and honorable posterity, that flow from the exclusive marital union described in the previous verse. Scholars like Gill and Barnes explain that when a marriage is pure, its fruit (children and influence) can be 'dispersed abroad' as a public blessing, bringing honor to the family and contributing positively to the community.

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4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Proverbs 5:16

18th Century

Theologian

Wedded love streams forth in blessing on all around, on children and on neighbors and in the streets, precisely because the wife’s true love is giv…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Proverbs 5:15–20

19th Century

Bishop

Drink waters out of thine own cistern ...—In these verses Solomon urges his disciples to follow after purity in the married life; …

John Gill

John Gill

On Proverbs 5:16

17th Century

Pastor

Let your fountains be dispersed abroad Or "shall abound", as the Targum; that is, streams of water from fountains; which …

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Proverbs 5:15–23

17th Century

Minister

Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from these destructive vices. But we are not properly united, unless we attend to God's word, …