Thought for the Day

Verses 14-15 - Using poetic symbolism, today's verses teach the principle of monogamy and warn of the destruction that adultery produces. Marriage is likened to a cistern of water. Water quenches thirst and is a good symbol of a love relationship. We all thirst for intimacy. True refreshment in marriage is born out of intimacy between a man and wife. The Song of Solomon also refers to the exclusivity of the marriage relationship, likened to a secret garden. Solomon described his beloved as a sealed fountain; closed to all others, but open to him - a "fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon" (Song of Solomon 4:12,15). A third party's intrusion spoils the "water." The cistern of love that refreshes husband and wife becomes bitter, affecting the relationship and all the family.

Verses 16-17 - Adultery can produce illegitimate children, and a breakdown of the family. The verses above extol the joy that can be had within the unbroken family unit, ideally composed of a man, his wife, and their offspring.

Verses 18-23 - At times, the delight in the spouse of one's youth can slip away. The enemy then tries to tempt people to quench their thirst in the embrace of an outsider. While reading this, you may be facing the temptation to embrace someone outside of your marriage. These verses warn of the consequences of unfaithfulness. We should take them to heart. The final picture of the adulterer is one of being tied up in his own sins. Like an animal that falls into a trap, it cannot escape. He will die. In marriage, as in everything else in life, the stakes are high. We choose peace and joy by obeying God's precepts, or pain and confusion by following the lusts of our flesh. By God's grace, let us choose to do right - not only for our own sakes, but for our children's.