Proverbs 27:16

KJV

Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever hideth {H6845} her hideth {H6845} the wind {H7307}, and the ointment {H8081} of his right hand {H3225}, which bewrayeth {H7121} itself.

Complete Jewish Bible

whoever can restrain her can restrain the wind or keep perfume on his hand from making itself known.

Berean Standard Bible

restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.

American Standard Version

He that would restrain her restraineth the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:16 vividly illustrates the futility of attempting to conceal or control a contentious person, likening such an endeavor to the impossible task of hiding the wind or preventing the pervasive scent of perfumed oil from revealing itself. This proverb underscores the inherent nature of a quarrelsome spirit to inevitably manifest, impacting its surroundings and making any effort to suppress its true character utterly vain. It serves as a profound commentary on the inescapable reality of character traits and their public revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:16 stands in immediate literary succession to [Proverbs 27:15](/proverbs/27-15 "Proverbs 27:15 - A Continual Dropping and a Contentious Woman"), which directly compares "a continual dropping in a very rainy day" to "a contentious woman." Therefore, the pronoun "her" in verse 16 unequivocally refers to this quarrelsome individual, typically understood in this context as a wife or woman in the household. The verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, primarily attributed to Solomon, found in [Proverbs 25-29](/proverbs/25 "Proverbs 25 - Further Proverbs of Solomon"), which focuses on practical wisdom for daily living, interpersonal relationships, and the consequences of moral choices. This particular proverb highlights a common domestic challenge, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable nature of a difficult personality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, domestic harmony was highly valued, and a contentious spirit, particularly within the home, was seen as deeply disruptive. The imagery used in the proverb draws from universal human experiences and specific cultural practices. "Wind" (Hebrew: _rûwach_) was understood as an uncontainable, powerful, and often unpredictable force of nature, impossible to grasp or hide. "Ointment" (Hebrew: _shemen_), often perfumed oil, was a valuable commodity used for anointing, hygiene, medicinal purposes, and hospitality. Once applied, especially to the hands, its distinct and pervasive fragrance would naturally fill the air, making it impossible to conceal. The "right hand" (Hebrew: _yâmîyn_) was considered the hand of strength and dexterity, often used for applying such substances. The proverb leverages these familiar concepts to convey a profound truth about human character.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it emphasizes **the uncontainable nature of certain character traits**, particularly contentiousness. Just as the wind cannot be controlled or the scent of oil hidden, a quarrelsome spirit will inevitably reveal itself, affecting all who are near. This leads to the theme of **self-revelation**, where one's true disposition, especially a negative one, cannot be suppressed indefinitely; it will "bewray itself" or make itself known. Consequently, the proverb also highlights the **futility of concealment or control** when it comes to inherent character. It implicitly warns against the challenges of living with or attempting to manage a habitually contentious individual, reinforcing the broader wisdom of seeking peace and avoiding strife, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 17:1](/proverbs/17-1 "Proverbs 17:1 - Better a Dry Morsel with Quietness") and [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hideth (Hebrew, _tsâphan'_):** From H6845, this primitive root means "to hide (by covering over)." By implication, it can also mean to hoard or reserve, or figuratively, to deny. In this context, it speaks to the act of attempting to conceal or suppress something, highlighting the impossibility of such an action when applied to the pervasive nature of a contentious person.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, this term primarily signifies "wind," but by resemblance, also "breath" or a "sensible (or even violent) exhalation." Figuratively, it can denote life, anger, or unsubstantiality. Here, it powerfully represents something intangible, uncontrollable, and impossible to contain or hide.
* **ointment (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** From H8081, this word refers to "grease," especially liquid, often perfumed, as from the olive. It can also figuratively mean richness. In the proverb, it specifically denotes fragrant oil, whose pervasive scent is central to the metaphor.
* **bewrayeth (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this primitive root means "to call out to" or "to proclaim." It implies making something known or publishing it. In the KJV's older English, "bewrayeth" means to expose, reveal, or betray, perfectly capturing the sense that the ointment (and by extension, the contentious nature) will inevitably make its presence known.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind":** This clause sets up the primary metaphor, declaring the utter impossibility of concealing a contentious person. The act of "hiding her" is equated with the absurd and futile attempt to "hide the wind"—a force of nature that is intangible, ubiquitous, and utterly beyond human control or containment. It emphasizes that a quarrelsome spirit, like the wind, cannot be confined or suppressed; its presence will always be felt and known.
* **"and the ointment of his right hand":** This introduces the second, equally potent, metaphor. "The ointment of his right hand" refers to perfumed oil that has been applied to the hand. In ancient cultures, such oils were fragrant and their scent would naturally emanate from the person who applied them. The implication is that just as the scent of the oil cannot be contained once it's on the hand, neither can the true nature of a contentious person be hidden.
* **"[which] bewrayeth [itself]":** This final phrase clarifies the consequence of the second metaphor and reinforces the overall message. The KJV's "bewrayeth itself" means that the ointment (and thus the contentious nature it represents) will inevitably "make itself known" or "proclaim itself." It cannot be kept secret; its presence will be revealed through its pervasive influence, much like a strong fragrance filling a room. This highlights the self-revealing nature of character, particularly a difficult one.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:16 is rich in **Imagery** and employs powerful **Simile** and **Metaphor** to convey its message. The core of the proverb lies in its two striking comparisons: hiding a contentious person is like trying to hide the wind, and it is also like trying to conceal the scent of ointment on one's hand. Both comparisons use tangible, sensory experiences to illustrate an abstract truth about character. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the exaggeration of the impossibility of the task, emphasizing the extreme difficulty of managing a quarrelsome individual. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Parallelism**, where the two distinct images ("hideth the wind" and "the ointment... bewrayeth itself") serve to reinforce the same central idea—the inescapable and self-revealing nature of contentiousness. The vividness of these images makes the proverb memorable and its wisdom impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth embedded in Proverbs 27:16 resonates deeply with broader biblical theology, particularly concerning the nature of the human heart and the inevitability of its outward manifestation. The proverb underscores the principle that what is truly within a person will ultimately be revealed, whether for good or ill. This aligns with the teaching that the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart, and that one's character cannot be perpetually hidden ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")). It speaks to the futility of superficial attempts to mask deep-seated character flaws, emphasizing that genuine transformation, rather than mere concealment, is necessary. Theologically, this highlights God's omniscience and the transparency of all things before Him, reminding us that true peace and wisdom come from aligning our inner being with His righteous standards, rather than attempting to hide our imperfections.

* [Proverbs 21:9](/proverbs/21-9 "Proverbs 21:9 - Better to Live on a Corner of a Rooftop")
* [Proverbs 25:24](/proverbs/25-24 "Proverbs 25:24 - Better to Live on a Corner of a Rooftop")
* [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - A Good Man Brings Good Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:16 offers profound wisdom for navigating human relationships and understanding the dynamics of character. It teaches us a crucial lesson: some aspects of human nature, especially deeply ingrained contentious spirits, are fundamentally uncontainable and will inevitably make their presence known. This proverb calls us to a posture of realistic acceptance rather than futile struggle. Instead of expending energy trying to silence, hide, or fundamentally change another person's quarrelsome disposition, wisdom dictates focusing on what we can control: our own responses, boundaries, and pursuit of peace. It implicitly encourages discernment in forming close relationships, particularly marriage, recognizing that a contentious partner can make domestic life profoundly difficult. Furthermore, it serves as a mirror for self-examination, prompting us to consider if we, too, exhibit any "uncontainable" character traits that disrupt peace and reveal an un-Christlike spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be trying to "hide the wind" in my own relationships, by attempting to suppress or ignore difficult truths about others or myself?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my expectations about changing other people's fundamental character?**
* **What boundaries might I need to establish or reinforce in relationships where contentiousness is a persistent issue, to protect my own peace and well-being?**
* **Am I cultivating a spirit of peace and gentleness, or are there aspects of my own character that, like the "ointment," are revealing an un-Christlike contentiousness?**

### FAQ
**Who is "her" in this proverb, and is it only about women?**

Answer: The "her" in Proverbs 27:16 directly refers to the "contentious woman" mentioned in [Proverbs 27:15](/proverbs/27-15 "Proverbs 27:15 - A Continual Dropping and a Contentious Woman"). While the immediate context points to a woman, the wisdom principle is universal. Contentiousness is a character trait that can manifest in anyone, regardless of gender. The proverb uses a specific example to illustrate a broader truth about the futility of trying to hide or control a pervasive, difficult disposition in any person.

**What does "bewrayeth itself" mean in modern English?**

Answer: The King James Version's "bewrayeth itself" uses an older English word, "bewray," which means to expose, reveal, or betray. In modern English, it would mean "reveals itself," "betrays its presence," or "makes itself known." The Hebrew word (H7121, _qârâʼ_) carries the sense of proclaiming or calling out, emphasizing that the nature of the ointment (and by extension, the contentious person) will inevitably announce its presence and cannot be kept secret.

**Why are "wind" and "ointment" used as metaphors for contentiousness?**

Answer: These two metaphors are chosen for their distinct yet complementary qualities, both illustrating the uncontainable nature of a contentious spirit. "Wind" (H7307, _rûwach_) is intangible, powerful, and impossible to grasp or confine, representing the elusive and pervasive nature of a quarrelsome disposition that cannot be physically controlled. "Ointment" (H8081, _shemen_), particularly fragrant oil applied to the hand, represents something whose presence is revealed through its pervasive scent, which cannot be hidden once released. Together, they powerfully convey that a contentious person's true character, whether subtle or overt, will inevitably make itself known and affect their environment, much like an irresistible force or an undeniable fragrance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:16, though a practical wisdom saying, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, peace, and truth, standing in stark contrast to the contentious spirit described. He is the one who "will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets" ([Matthew 12:19](/matthew/12-19 "Matthew 12:19 - He Will Not Quarrel or Cry Out"), quoting [Isaiah 42:2](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2 - He will not cry out or raise his voice")), demonstrating a non-contentious nature that is perfectly contained in divine love and humility. Secondly, the proverb's emphasis on the self-revealing nature of character points to the truth that nothing can be hidden from God. While human attempts to conceal sin or a contentious spirit are futile, Christ offers not concealment but transformation. Through His atoning work, He doesn't just mask our flaws but redeems and renews our hearts, replacing contentiousness with the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Finally, just as the ointment's scent cannot be hidden, the truth of the Gospel and the person of Christ, once revealed, cannot be suppressed. His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")). The pervasive, undeniable nature of the ointment's fragrance becomes a beautiful analogy for the irresistible and revealing power of Christ's presence and truth in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.