Definition: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb from Proverbs 5:15. It’s a really important message about how we should treat our own things – our thoughts, desires, and even our time – rather than relying on external things to fill us up. Here's the simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Don't waste your precious resources (time, energy, money, relationships) on things that aren’t truly beneficial for you. If you pour water into a dirty or small container, it will quickly spill over and contaminate what’s inside. Let’s unpack it further: “Drink waters out of thine own cistern…” - This means to spend your time and energy on things that are not good for you, things that are fleeting or unproductive. It's like drinking from a dirty puddle – it won't taste good and will eventually spoil. "...and running waters out of thine own well." - This is the key part! "Well" represents your true self, your character, your values, your thoughts, or even your goals. If you’re pouring water into a well that’s already full of dirty water, the running water will just spill back out. Your true self – your goodness, your strength – is meant to be used for something worthwhile. What does this mean practically? It's about: Self-Control: It encourages us to practice discipline and control over our desires and impulses. Prioritization: It means focusing on what truly matters to you and dedicating your time and energy to those things. True Fulfillment: It suggests that true happiness and satisfaction come from cultivating your own character, rather than chasing after superficial or fleeting pleasures. In short, the verse is a warning against wasting our potential on things that don’t nourish us – and urging us to focus on what truly matters to us . --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss how this principle applies to a specific situation (like temptation or addiction)?