Private Property

Scripture: Proverbs 5:15-20

Song: Blest Be The Tie

There are some things that are not to be shared. The sexual relationship of man and wife is one. It is for them alone. The wise man pictures it euphemistically as a private well or cistern. Most wells in ancient cities were public domain. They were too rare to be owned privately. So the wise man’s image suggests what a privilege and rich blessing the union of man and wife is. The marriage bed is their wonderful oasis and one that unlike the public cistern is peculiarly their own private drink.

To open the cistern to strangers is to spoil the fountain, to pollute its waters, and to spill its streams into the streets. It renders the giver a betrayer of secrets and the taker a thief for having stolen a drink from that which belonged to another. There is no pretty picture of adultery. It is the worst kind of trespassing. There is no way to soften the sin of unfaithfulness. It is the most heinous kind of lie, the most contemptible violation of trust.

But how charming is the picture of the secret well that is enjoyed by the man and women joined by God. How romantic is the rural image of the stone well and wooden bucket from which only two lips dare to drink. Be sure and post by yours a sign with large letters, easy to read, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.”

Jason Moore