👉 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
.
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Do you want me to:
Explain another verse?
Discuss how this principle applies to a specific situation (like temptation or addiction)?