Text: Proverbs 5:15-23 (ESV)   REJOICE IN THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH   Solomon highlighted the importance of being a ‘one-woman-man’. Monogamy is much advantageous than polygamy. Even in Gen 2:24-25, the design of God is for a man to leave his parents during marriage and be ‘glued unto his wife’. Both, should endeavor to cultivate an intimate relationship, that is, being ‘naked and unashamed.’ Sexual relationship is only intended in the realm of marriage. Heb 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” And, this pleasure or satisfaction of an intimate marital relationship is the wall for marital infidelity.   Solomon has strong imperatives to his son, saying[v.15-19]; “15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. 16 Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, 19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.   Having an intimate relationship with one’s spouse exclusively does guarantee safety as one ‘drinking water in his own cistern.’ He is sure it is uncontaminated than drinking from springs of unknown sources.[v.16] The imagery of drinking water from ‘springs or streams of water in the streets’ has two implications. Firstly, it may mean uncontrolled sexual passions. Sexual fulfillment, portrayed as drinking water, needs to be carefully managed, and not carelessly thrown around without control. The imagery of wasting water in the streets is risky and dangerous, is it not?   Secondly, it may mean the children coming from such relationships. The picture of "unwanted" children heartlessly killed in abortion, having congenital disease, are destined to live in less-than-ideal conditions, or abandoned as orphans is pathetic. Sadly, the world’s way of solving this problem is not to inhibit illicit multiple sexual encounters but the use of contraceptives. But, God’s way is the best way – enjoy with the wife of your youth.   On the other hand, there is satisfaction but momentary only in infidelity.[v.20] The consequence of infidelity should not be taken lightly. The first consequence is guilt before God. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes (Heb 4:13). He sees all, and He knows all. It should be fearful to be under the anger of God. 20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? 21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.   Another thing is that it is enslaving. 22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. 23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray. However, if we cling unto Jesus, He said, "Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). However, whoever believes on Jesus as Savior finds freedom to serve God. Jesus also said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.[Rom 13;14]   Let’s ponder for a moment. Are we faithful to our spouses? Are we keeping our eyes pure and not guilty of the sin of pornography that affects our relationships? Are we discreet with our relationship with the opposite sex in our office? Let’s ask God for His cleansing. May God gives us a pure heart today.   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram