Proverbs 27:16
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Original Language Analysis
צָֽפַן
Whosoever hideth
H6845
צָֽפַן
Whosoever hideth
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
1 of 6
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
צָֽפַן
Whosoever hideth
H6845
צָֽפַן
Whosoever hideth
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
2 of 6
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
ר֑וּחַ
the wind
H7307
ר֑וּחַ
the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
3 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן
and the ointment
H8081
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן
and the ointment
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
4 of 6
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
Wind and perfume were common life experiences in ancient Israel. Wind was proverbially uncontrollable (Ecclesiastes 1:14, 'feeding on wind'). Perfumed oils were valuable commodities whose scent inevitably permeated clothing and surroundings (Song of Solomon 1:3).
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you attempting to 'hide the wind' by trying to change or control someone whom only God can transform?
- How does this proverb's realism about human limitations drive you to prayer rather than manipulation?
- What does surrendering impossible situations to God's sovereignty look like in your closest relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind—Attempting to restrain (ṣāp̱an, צָפַן, hide/restrain) a contentious woman (v. 15) is like trying to contain wind (rûaḥ, רוּחַ)—impossible. The ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself—perfume (shemen, שֶׁמֶן) inevitably reveals its presence; you cannot conceal fragrance. Both metaphors emphasize futility.
This verse acknowledges the limits of human ability to change another person. Only God's Spirit can transform a quarrelsome heart. The New Testament echoes this—husbands are called to love, not to control (Ephesians 5:25), and transformation comes through the Spirit's work (Galatians 5:22-23), not human manipulation.