Proverbs 5:18

KJV

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let thy fountain {H4726} be blessed {H1288}: and rejoice {H8055} with the wife {H802} of thy youth {H5271}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let your fountain, the wife of your youth, be blessed; find joy in her

Berean Standard Bible

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth:

American Standard Version

Let thy fountain be blessed; And rejoice in the wife of thy youth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:18 stands as a profound exhortation within a chapter primarily warning against the destructive path of sexual immorality. It pivots from negative admonition to positive affirmation, urging the reader to find joy, contentment, and blessing within the exclusive bounds of a faithful marriage. This verse celebrates the sanctity of the marital covenant, portraying the wife as a cherished source of life, intimacy, and enduring happiness, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and bitter pleasures offered by illicit relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:18 is strategically placed within a larger discourse (Proverbs 5:1-23) where a father passionately instructs his son on the perils of the adulteress. The chapter opens with an urgent call to heed wisdom's voice and incline one's ear to understanding ([Proverbs 5:1](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1 - Heed Wisdom's Voice")), immediately followed by stark warnings about the seductive words and ultimate bitterness of the immoral woman, whose path leads to death and the grave ([Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-5 - The Peril of the Immoral Woman")). Against this backdrop of severe consequences for infidelity, verse 18 offers the divine alternative: the blessedness and joy found in marital faithfulness. It directly follows the vivid imagery of drinking water from one's own cistern and springs ([Proverbs 5:15](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15 - Drink from Your Own Cistern")), which metaphorically urges sexual exclusivity, making verse 18 a direct and positive command to embrace this exclusivity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage was the foundational unit of society, crucial for lineage, inheritance, and the perpetuation of the family name. Procreation was highly valued, and children were seen as a divine blessing. Sexual purity within marriage was not merely a moral ideal but a societal necessity, safeguarding family integrity and preventing the chaos that sexual promiscuity brought. Adultery, particularly on the part of the wife, was a grave offense, often punishable by death, as it threatened the very fabric of family and community by introducing illegitimacy and disrupting property rights. The "wife of thy youth" would often be an arranged marriage, entered into at a young age, signifying a lifelong covenant. The warnings against the "strange woman" or "adulteress" reflect the real societal dangers posed by prostitution and illicit affairs, which could lead to financial ruin, social disgrace, and spiritual defilement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Marital Fidelity and Purity**, presenting the marriage covenant as the exclusive and divinely sanctioned sphere for sexual intimacy. It is a direct counterpoint to the warnings against the "strange waters" of illicit relationships, promoting sexual exclusivity as a path to blessing. Secondly, the verse highlights **Joy and Contentment in Marriage**, asserting that true and lasting happiness is found not in fleeting illicit pleasures but in the enduring companionship and intimacy with one's lifelong partner. The command to "rejoice" elevates marital intimacy beyond mere duty to a source of profound delight. Thirdly, it underscores **The Blessing of Legitimate Progeny and Intimacy**, with "fountain" metaphorically referring to the wife as the source of offspring and the wellspring of marital intimacy. A "blessed fountain" implies fruitfulness, purity, and divine approval on the legitimate family unit, reinforcing the idea that children born within a faithful marriage are a gift from God. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the family as the primary unit for spiritual formation and societal stability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fountain (Hebrew, _mâqôwr'_):** From H4726, literally "something dug," referring to a source of water (spring, well). Figuratively, it denotes a source of happiness, wisdom, or progeny. In this context, it is a rich metaphor for the wife as the exclusive source of sexual pleasure and the origin of one's descendants, emphasizing purity, life, and refreshment within the marital bond.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From H1288, a primitive root meaning "to kneel"; by implication, to bless God (adoration) or man (benefit). Here, it signifies divine approval, favor, and prosperity bestowed upon the marital union and its fruitfulness. A "blessed fountain" is one that is pure, abundant, and divinely sanctioned.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** From H8055, meaning "to brighten up," "be blithe or gleesome," "to be glad," or "to have joy." This is not merely a passive state but an active command to find and cultivate deep, enduring happiness and satisfaction within the relationship with one's spouse, contrasting with the superficial and ultimately destructive "pleasures" of illicit affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let thy fountain be blessed":** This clause is an imperative command, a divine injunction. The "fountain" metaphorically represents the wife, particularly as the source of sexual intimacy and potential progeny. To "let it be blessed" implies a desire for divine favor upon the marriage, ensuring its purity, fruitfulness, and the joy derived from it. It is an active choice to honor and sanctify the marital relationship as God intended.
* **"and rejoice with the wife of thy youth":** This second imperative reinforces the first, providing the positive outcome and proper focus for the "blessed fountain." "Rejoice" calls for active delight, pleasure, and contentment. The phrase "wife of thy youth" emphasizes the enduring, foundational, and covenantal nature of the marriage, highlighting the value of a lifelong commitment established early in life, and encouraging a sustained, vibrant intimacy with that original partner.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:18 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "fountain" (Hebrew _maqor_) serves as a rich and multi-layered symbol for the wife. Just as a fountain is a source of life-giving water, the wife is presented as the exclusive source of sexual intimacy and the wellspring of legitimate progeny within the marriage. This imagery underscores purity, refreshment, and the life-sustaining nature of a faithful marital bond. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("Let... be blessed," "rejoice"), which functions as a direct command or exhortation, conveying the urgency and divine authority behind the instruction. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** at play within the broader chapter; verse 18 stands as the positive alternative to the destructive path of the adulteress described in preceding verses. This juxtaposition highlights the wisdom of choosing fidelity over illicit pleasure, demonstrating that true satisfaction and blessing are found within the confines of a God-honoring marriage, not outside it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:18 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical theology of marriage, sexuality, and blessing. It elevates the marital union to a sacred status, portraying it as the divinely appointed context for sexual intimacy and procreation. The "blessed fountain" imagery connects marital fidelity directly to divine favor and fruitfulness, suggesting that a pure and exclusive marital relationship is not only morally right but also a channel for God's blessings, including the joy of companionship and the gift of legitimate offspring. This verse counters the world's allure of fleeting, illicit pleasures by presenting a vision of enduring joy and deep satisfaction found within a covenantal relationship, mirroring God's own faithfulness to His covenant people. It is a call to intentional cultivation of marital intimacy and contentment, recognizing marriage as a reflection of God's design for human flourishing.

* [Ephesians 5:25-33](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-33 - Christ and the Church as a Model for Marriage")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [Malachi 2:14-15](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-15 - The Wife of Your Youth and Godly Offspring")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:18 offers timeless wisdom for cultivating a thriving and God-honoring marriage in any era. It calls us to actively cherish, prioritize, and find profound joy in our spouse, recognizing that true contentment in sexual intimacy and companionship is found exclusively within the covenant of marriage. In a world saturated with temptations and fleeting gratifications, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to guard the sanctity of our marital bed, to resist the allure of anything that would defile our "fountain," and to invest intentionally in the relationship with the "wife (or husband) of our youth." This involves consistent communication, mutual respect, selfless love, and a commitment to nurturing both emotional and physical intimacy. By doing so, we not only obey a divine command but also unlock a deep, enduring source of blessing and happiness that far surpasses any temporary pleasure found outside of God's design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How am I actively cultivating joy and contentment within my marriage today, and what practical steps can I take to "rejoice" more fully with my spouse?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing "strange waters" (whether literal or metaphorical) to diminish the purity and blessing of my "fountain," and how can I better guard my heart and eyes?**
* **What does it mean for my marriage to be "blessed" by God, and how can my actions reflect a desire for His divine favor upon my marital union?**

### FAQ
**Why does Proverbs 5:18 use the metaphor of a "fountain" for a wife?**

Answer: The metaphor of a "fountain" (Hebrew _maqor_) is rich with meaning, drawing on the vital role of water in the ancient Near East. A fountain or spring is a source of life, refreshment, and purity. In Proverbs 5:18, it is used to represent the wife as the exclusive and life-giving source of sexual intimacy and the origin of legitimate offspring within the marriage covenant. This imagery contrasts sharply with the "strange waters" or "stolen waters" mentioned elsewhere in Proverbs, which are deceitful, defiling, and ultimately lead to death ([Proverbs 9:17-18](/proverbs/9-17 "Proverbs 9:17-18 - Stolen Water is Sweet")). By calling the husband to let his "fountain be blessed," the verse emphasizes the purity, fruitfulness, and divine approval associated with sexual intimacy confined to the marriage bond.

**What is the significance of the phrase "wife of thy youth"?**

Answer: The phrase "wife of thy youth" (Hebrew _ʼishshâh nâʻûwr_) carries profound significance, emphasizing the enduring and covenantal nature of marriage. It refers to the spouse one married in their younger years, implying a lifelong commitment and a relationship that has grown and matured over time. This phrase highlights the value of faithfulness and loyalty to one's original partner, discouraging the pursuit of new relationships or illicit affairs. It underscores the idea that the deepest joy and satisfaction are found in cultivating a lasting bond with the one with whom one began life's journey, echoing the sentiment found in [Malachi 2:14-15](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-15 - God Hates Divorce") where God speaks against dealing treacherously with the "wife of your youth." It's a call to cherish and invest in the foundational relationship of one's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:18, with its call to find joy and blessing in the "fountain" of one's marriage, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ. While the verse speaks of human marriage, it points to a deeper spiritual reality: Christ is the ultimate "fountain" of living water, the true source of life, joy, and spiritual blessing for His people ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Just as the husband is called to rejoice in his wife, so the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is called to find her complete satisfaction and delight in Him alone. The fidelity enjoined in Proverbs 5:18 foreshadows the exclusive devotion required of believers to Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom. He is the one who purifies His Church, making her holy and blameless, presenting her to Himself without stain or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "blessed fountain" of marital intimacy, designed for procreation and pleasure, points to the spiritual fruitfulness and abundant life found in union with Christ. Through Him, we receive true and eternal joy, far surpassing any fleeting earthly pleasure, and our spiritual union with Him is the ultimate, undefiled covenant, leading to an everlasting "rejoicing" in His presence ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Malachi 2:14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because 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.

Malachi 2:15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

Song Of Solomon 4:15

¶ A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

Song Of Solomon 4:12

A garden inclosed [is] my sister, [my] spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.