# Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain is a righteous person tottering before wicked people

One expects a spring or fountain to have clear water, just as one expects a righteous man to stand for what he believes. A polluted spring or fountain is compared to a righteous man who falls. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile]])

# tottering before wicked people

Tottering is a metaphor for either 1) refusing to fight wicked people or 2) joining in their wickedness. Alternate translation: "who allows wicked people to do wickedness" or "who starts to do what wicked people do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# tottering

Swaying and about to fall down. This is a metaphor for being unable to continue to do good. Alternate translation: "unable to stand" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# before wicked people

Possible meanings are 1) "when wicked people attack him" or 2) "when wicked people urge him to do evil." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])