Jeremiah 6:7

As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.

Jeremiah 6:7 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah 6:7 belongs to a prophetic warning delivered to Jerusalem and Judah before the Babylonian destruction. The verse pictures the city as a fountain that continually casts out water, showing that its wickedness is constant and overflowing.

Meaning

The fountain metaphor emphasizes the abundance and frequency of sin. Jerusalem’s evil is not occasional but ingrained, like water that never stops flowing. The specific sins listed—violence, spoil, grief, and wounds—describe both the acts of oppression and their painful effects on the community. The phrase “is heard in her” indicates that the cries of the oppressed and the sounds of violence are public and pervasive.

The final clause, “before me continually is grief and wounds,” gives God’s perspective. He sees and is continually aware of the suffering and moral sickness caused by the people’s sin. This is not merely a social observation but a statement of divine attention and impending judgment.

Biblical connections

The fountain metaphor connects to the biblical teaching that the heart is the source of what a person produces, as seen in Matthew 12:34-35, where Jesus teaches that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Application

This verse serves as a call to repentance. It reminds us that persistent, unrepentant wickedness is observed by God and invites His judgment. Just as Jerusalem’s actions had consequences, our actions matter to God, who sees and judges the wickedness in our midst. The remedy is to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance.

Reflection

Consider what your life continually pours out. Does it flow with violence and injustice, or with righteousness and mercy? God is not distant; He is aware of both the sin and the suffering it causes. Let this verse move you to examine your heart and seek His cleansing.