Counsel is something very important in our lives, since it is for our own good; it helps us understand what can happen when we stray from the purpose that the Lord has for us.
In the Bible we find various kinds of counsel that urge us to be very careful in different areas of our lives. In this article we will speak about faithfulness within marriage, and for that reason we have chosen the following verse from the book of Proverbs:
Blessed be thy fountain; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth,
Proverbs 5:18
What do these words mean? For many they may seem clear, but if they are not entirely clear, we can take a brief look at the preceding verses:
15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets?
17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
Proverbs 5:15–17
The title of Proverbs chapter 5 is “A Warning Against Adultery,” and when you begin to read it you find expressions such as “the lips of a strange woman” and “give not thine honor unto others.” Then in verse 15 it says, “Drink waters out of thine own cistern,” and finally in verse 18 it says, “Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”
All of this means, beloved brother, that if you already have the woman God has given you, there is no need to look for anything elsewhere. Throughout Proverbs chapter 5, the consequences of infidelity are described, and it warns that its end is not good (verse 4).
We must take this counsel and apply it, both men and women alike. You have the partner God has given you; therefore, rejoice with her, enjoy your intimacy together as long as you have life on this earth, because there is nothing else to seek elsewhere.
Therefore, remember that when a man and a woman are united in marriage, they become one flesh. Let us walk with integrity and purity; let us not contaminate that fountain God has given us, but rather delight in it.
When we speak of marital faithfulness, we are not referring only to avoiding physical infidelity, but also emotional and spiritual unfaithfulness. Many times people do not go so far as to commit an actual betrayal, yet they allow in their thoughts and emotions a bond with someone else, and this can also weaken the relationship. God calls us to be upright, to stand firm, and to value the covenant we made before Him.
Marriage was instituted by God from creation, when He said: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This principle reminds us that the marital union is sacred and must not be taken lightly. For this reason, the counsel found in Proverbs is not merely moral advice, but a guide for life that preserves love, trust, and family unity.
We must also recognize that within marriage there will be trials, difficulties, and differences. No one is perfect, but faithfulness and communication are key to overcoming challenges. A husband and wife who pray together and seek God’s guidance will find strength to resist temptation and to protect what the Lord has entrusted to them. Marriage is not simply a human contract, but a divine covenant that reflects the love of Christ for His Church.
Today’s society often promotes the opposite: unlimited freedom, infidelity, deceit, and broken relationships as something normal. However, the Word of God invites us to be different, to protect the home and to remain faithful, because within that faithfulness there is also blessing. The verse we have cited not only speaks of joy with one’s spouse, but also of a blessed fountain—something that gives life, peace, and fullness when it is cared for in the fear of God.
Therefore, dear reader, let us reflect on this teaching: faithfulness is not a burden, but a gift that strengthens true love. To love and respect your spouse is to obey God and to sow trust for the generations that come after us. Our children and grandchildren will also learn to value marriage if they see in us an example of integrity and enduring love.
In conclusion, the counsel of Proverbs 5:18 is a reminder that we must rejoice with the spouse God has given us. Do not look elsewhere for what God has already placed in your hands. Live with gratitude, love with faithfulness, and be upright in your relationship. The Lord will bless your home and give you peace, because His counsel is always for our good.