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I. MAN HAS INDEPENDENT SPIRITUAL RESOURCES.

1. He has independent sources of thought. Every sane man can and does think for himself.

2. He has independent sources of experience. No two have exactly the same experience.

3. He has independent powers of usefulness. Every man has a power to do some thing which no other can.

II. MAN IS BOUND TO USE THESE RESOURCES. "Drink waters out of thine own cistern." Do not live on others' self-drawing.

1. Honours our own nature.

2. Increases our own resources.

3. Contributes to the good of the universe. The man who gives only what he has borrowed from others adds nothing to the common stock. The subject —

(1) Indicates the kind of service which one man can spiritually render another.

(2) Suggests an effective method to sap the foundation of all arrogant assumptions. Let every man become self-helpful, and the influence of those who arrogate a lordship over the faith of others will soon die out.

(3) Presents a motive for thankfully adoring the great Creator for the spiritual constitution He has given us. We have resources, not of course independent of "Him," the primal fount of all power, but independent of all creatures.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

WEB: Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.