15-20. By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pr 5:15, 18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pr 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pr 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather denote the produce or waters of a spring, literally, "what is from a spring," and corresponds with "rivers of waters."

     18. wife . . . youth—married in youth.

     19. loving . . . roe—other figures for a wife from the well-known beauty of these animals.

     22. The old versions supply "good" before the "wife," as the last clause and Pr 19:14 imply (compare Pr 31:10).

     14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.