“Drink water from your own cistern [of a pure marriage relationship] And fresh running water from your own well. 16Should your springs (children) be dispersed, As streams of water in the streets? 17[Confine yourself to your own wife.] Let your children be yours alone, And not the children of strangers with you. 18Let your fountain (wife) be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], And rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19Let her be as a loving hind and graceful doe, Let her breasts refresh and satisfy you at all times; Always be exhilarated and delight in her love.”

Proverbs 5:15-19 AMP

After warning us about the dangers of sexual sin, Solomon gives us a clear picture of the proper practice of intimate relationships. He encourages the reader to enjoy the benefits of a monogamous relationship. This relationship was ordained by God for the prevention of uncleanness and the enjoyment of the physical pleasure that comes from an intimate relationship. I am reminded of the command given to Adam and Eve in the garden. “From any tree you may eat but not the tree of the knowledge of good and evil!” They were afforded the ability to enjoy all the pleasures and benefits of creation within the confines of the rules. So, it is with sexual relationships.  God has provided for the regular fulfillment of those physical needs and pleasures, but we are not to eat from other people’s fruit! Solomon focuses this entire section to not only the advocation of a singular sexual relationship but supports the practice to avoid the sin of fornication. The Apostle Paul wrote,

“But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

1 Corinthians 7:9 AMP

One of the problems with our sin nature is that it can be a controlling factor if left unchecked. God has provided everything we need to live a life worthy of His name. Far too long we lived body, soul and spirt. Following our transformation in Christ we should be living Spirit, soul, and body! The issue us that those two, Spirit and body are in opposition to each other! The Scripture warns us,

“For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.”

Galatians 5:17 AMP

Sin has awakened our sinful desires and now we must be ever so vigilant not to be consumed by them! In terms of our sexual desires, Solomon encourages us to keep the flame burning! He reminds us, husbands, “Let her breasts refresh and satisfy you at all times; Always be exhilarated and delight in her love.” Notice that the word “exhilarated is the Hebrew word meaning to “fully experience” or “drink to satisfaction” or as Kittle states, “to lavish upon someone giving an abundance of something with a focus that the person is then satisfied.” This is speaking of the fleshly desire. The foundation though is found in the next words, “delight in her love!” I often hear “There just isn’t any magic in our relationship anymore.” Well, my friends, love is a lot more than simply a feeling that we experience for a few seconds! If we live by the Spirit and not the flesh, it doesn’t mean that we discard the flesh. It does however mean that we keep it and its desires under control. Love is a commitment that comes with both happy and sad emotions. Love sets the supreme goal of the other and not the satisfaction of self!

Have a blessed day! Pastor Ken