Day 5 – Read Proverbs 5
The Person to Pursue
In Proverbs 5, Solomon is imploring his son to learn wisdom for moral protection and marital joy. Likewise, if we receive understanding, counsel, discernment, and knowledge (Proverbs 5:1-2), we are insulated from immorality, and our families can enjoy relationships and even healthy marriages (Proverbs 5:3-6).
Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife. – Proverbs 5:15 NLT
We all long for meaningful relationships. As a husband and parent, I want marital purity, mental safety, and relational safety for all my kids. This proverb provides the roadmap for marital fidelity and meaningful relationships.
1. Avoid the Unhealthy Well.
After imploring us to listen, Proverbs 5:7-14 focuses on how to avoid an "unhealthy well"—specifically speaking of being involved with an immoral woman. If we fall into this "well," we:
- Lose our honor. (Proverbs 5:9)
- Give away our wealth to strangers. (Proverbs 5:10)
- Experience stinging regret. (Proverbs 5:12-13)
- Face public disgrace. (Proverbs 5:14)
2. Drink from Your Own Well.
To "drink from our own well" means staying committed to our spouse. Single or married, intimacy with God always precedes the success and contentment of any relationship. God does not blush when He gives us these “God-sized" bites of wisdom. He desires for us to:
- Enjoy sexual pleasure with our spouse. (Proverbs 5:15)
- Experience the knowledge and peace of marital fidelity. (Proverbs 5:16-17)
- Exult in spiritual, emotional, mental, and sexual satisfaction with our spouse. (Proverbs 5:18-19)
3. Remember Jesus is the Ultimate Well.
If we have dipped into an "unhealthy well" or did not "drink from our own well," Jesus offers us hope. He paid for every wrong dip in "unholy wells." If we have put our trust in Jesus, we can rest assured that our every sin is covered by His grace. He died to forgive us and He's ready to forgive you—even if you dove into an "unhealthy well."
Drink from His well of mercy, because He loves you and rose for you (Romans 8:31). Let go of the fear of condemnation (Romans 8:1). Experience the grace of His well of love, and see how His mercy is higher than our sin (Romans 5:20).
Dig Deeper
1. Think about someone who models marital faithfulness. Write down two qualities they exemplify, and then follow their example.
2. In what ways can the satisfaction we experience in marriage and family be a deterrent against "unhealthy wells" in life? (See Proverbs 5:15-23)
