en_tn/pro/05/16.md

# General Information:

The writer speaks of adultery using metaphors about wasting the water that was so precious in Israel, where rain was rare.

# Should your springs ... your streams of water flow in the public squares?

The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that his son should not do these things. Alternate translation: "Your springs should not ... your streams of water should not flow in the public squares." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])

# Should your springs ... your streams of water flow in the public squares?

Here the words "springs" and "streams of water" are likely euphemisms for male reproductive fluids. Possible meanings for these metaphorical phrases are 1) sleeping with women other than one's wife is spoken of as if it were allowing one's water to flow in the public streets or 2) having children with women other than one's wife is spoken of as if it were allowing one's water to flow in the public streets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# Should your springs be dispersed everywhere and your ... squares?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Should you disperse your springs ... everywhere? Should your ... squares?" or "You should not disperse your springs everywhere, and you ... squares." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# public squares

Open areas in a city or town where two or more streets meet. A common place for people to meet each other and talk.