Proverbs 5:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Find satisfaction within your own household and covenant bonds.
The Context of Proverbs 5:15
The positive path: seeking fulfillment within proper boundaries and commitments.
What Does Proverbs 5:15 Mean?
This is the transition to the positive teaching. Water is essential for life; a cistern or well is a personal, reliable source. The image teaches that satisfaction, pleasure, and life-sustenance come from what is yours—from committed, covenantal relationships.
Drinking from one's own source is both a privilege and a calling. It implies faithfulness, investment, and the building of something lasting rather than the consumption of what belongs to others.
Proverbs 5:15 in the Original Language
cistern (בּוֹר bor) — a pit, cistern, or well; a personal source of water and life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 5:15
What does Proverbs 5:15 mean?
Find satisfaction within your own household and covenant bonds.
What is the context of Proverbs 5:15?
The positive path: seeking fulfillment within proper boundaries and commitments.