“Faithfulness and the Folly of Secret Sin”
Key Verse
Proverbs 5:18 (NIV):
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
Chapter Outline Proverbs 5:15:23
Verses 15–17 – Be Satisfied with Your Own Marriage
Metaphor of drinking from your own cistern—finding fulfillment in your spouse rather than pursuing forbidden relationships.
Verses 18–19 – Celebrate Marital Love and Intimacy
Encouragement to rejoice in and be captivated by one’s spouse.
Verse 20 – Contrast with Adultery
A rhetorical question warning against being captivated by another woman.
Verses 21–23 – God Sees All; Secret Sin Leads to Ruin
Reminder that God observes all actions, and sin eventually traps and destroys the unfaithful.
Key Words
Cistern
Rejoice
Captivated
Ways
Iniquities
Discipline
Death
Key Phrases
“Drink water from your own cistern”
“Rejoice in the wife of your youth”
“May her breasts satisfy you always”
“A man’s ways are in full view of the Lord”
“He will die for lack of discipline”
Patterns
Contrast between marital faithfulness and adultery
Progression of consequences: secret indulgence → entrapment → death
Use of metaphors: Cistern/fountain = wife and sexual satisfaction within marriage
People
The Husband: Urged to remain faithful.
The Wife: Described as a source of joy, beauty, and satisfaction.
The Adulteress (implied): Represents temptation.
The Lord: The all-seeing God who observes every step.
Places
Your own cistern/well – Symbol of one’s marriage/home.
The paths a man takes – Symbol of life’s moral choices and direction.
Observation
This passage shifts from warning to wisdom-filled encouragement. It emphasizes the joy and satisfaction available in a faithful marriage, contrasting it with the self-destructive results of infidelity. The metaphor of water—essential, life-giving, and pure—stresses that marital love is both natural and to be deeply valued. God’s omniscience adds weight to the message: even secret sins are fully seen and judged.
Reflection
The world often distorts love and commitment, offering counterfeit versions that promise excitement but deliver emptiness. This passage reminds us that real joy, safety, and fulfillment are found in God’s design for love—committed, exclusive, and joyful marital intimacy. Faithfulness is not only obedience but worship, reflecting God’s own covenant-keeping nature.
Main Lesson
Faithfulness in marriage brings lasting joy and protection, while secret sin leads to regret, bondage, and judgment.
Application for Everyday Life
Invest in your marriage: Prioritize time, affection, and communication.
Celebrate your spouse: Speak words of gratitude and admiration often.
Guard your eyes and heart: Don’t flirt with temptation—flee from it.
Be honest with God: If struggling with lust or temptation, bring it into the light through prayer, confession, and accountability.
Remember God sees all: Let His presence guide your private and public decisions.
Cross References
Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all…”
1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 – God’s will is sexual purity and self-control.
Matthew 5:28 – Looking lustfully is adultery of the heart.
Genesis 2:24 – God’s original design for marriage.
Psalm 139:1–3 – God sees and knows all our ways.
Questions for Journaling
How am I currently honoring or neglecting faithfulness in my relationships?
Do I truly find joy and satisfaction in the spouse God has given me (or am I preparing for such faithfulness if single)?
Are there areas in my heart or life I try to keep hidden from God and others?
What specific steps can I take to guard my heart, mind, and body from temptation?
How does God’s watchfulness motivate me toward holiness rather than fear?
What are some practical ways I can invest in my marriage or future marriage?