Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, (and) rivers of waters in the streets - i:e., by being faithful to thine own wife thou shalt have an overflowing offspring from thee going forth into the streets to the various honourable duties of life (Numbers 24:7). As the wife is the well, so the children are the waters from it. An abundant progeny is a special gift from God (Psalms 127:3; Psalms 128:3). The promise here follows the precept in Proverbs 5:15. The reward is the result of obedience. The negative reading rests on insufficient authority, "Let not thy fountains be dispersed." As to children "in the streets" cf. Zechariah 8:5. The union of one husband to one wife tends to a numerous offspring; concubinage generally causes barrenness.