Proverbs 27:16 - Do not Boast about Tomorrow
Restraining her is like holding back the wind
This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to describe the futility of trying to control a contentious or quarrelsome person. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the wind was often seen as a powerful and uncontrollable force, much like in the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:39). The wind's unpredictability and strength make it an apt comparison for the challenges faced when dealing with a difficult person. The imagery suggests that just as one cannot capture or direct the wind, so too is it impossible to change the nature of someone who is determined to be contentious. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the heart's stubbornness, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which speaks to the deceitful nature of the human heart.
Or grasping oil with one’s right hand
Oil in biblical times was a valuable commodity, used for anointing, cooking, and as a symbol of blessing and abundance (Psalm 23:5). The right hand is often associated with strength and skill (Psalm 110:1), yet even with one's strongest effort, oil slips through the fingers, illustrating the impossibility of the task. This metaphor highlights the elusive and slippery nature of trying to manage or control a quarrelsome person. The imagery of oil also connects to the anointing of kings and priests, pointing to the idea that some things are beyond human control and require divine intervention. This can be seen in the anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:13), where God's choice and empowerment were necessary for leadership. The futility of grasping oil underscores the need for wisdom and discernment in relationships, as emphasized throughout the book of Proverbs.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and relationships are reflected in this verse.
2. The Quarrelsome Woman
This verse metaphorically refers to a contentious or quarrelsome woman, a recurring theme in Proverbs, symbolizing difficult interpersonal relationships.
3. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where family and community dynamics were central, provides the backdrop for understanding the relational wisdom in Proverbs.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Control
Attempting to control or change a quarrelsome person is as futile as trying to restrain the wind or grasp oil. This teaches us to recognize the limits of our influence over others.
The Importance of Peaceful Relationships
The verse highlights the value of cultivating peaceful and harmonious relationships, encouraging us to seek wisdom in our interactions.
Wisdom in Choosing Companions
Proverbs often advises on the importance of choosing companions wisely. This verse serves as a reminder to surround ourselves with those who promote peace and understanding.
Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
While the verse speaks of a quarrelsome woman, it invites all believers to reflect on their own behavior and strive to be peacemakers in their relationships.
Trusting God with Difficult Relationships
When faced with challenging relationships, we are reminded to trust God for wisdom and guidance, rather than relying solely on our efforts to change others.
(16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind--i.e., you might as well try and stop the wind from blowing as seek to restrain her.
And the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.--Rather, perhaps, and oil meeteth his right hand--i.e., if he puts out his hand to stop her she slips through it like oil.
Verse 16. - Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind. Whoever tries to restrain a shrewish woman, or to conceal her faults, might as well attempt to confine the wind or to check its violence. And the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself. He might as well try to hide the ointment which signifies its presence by its odour. But there is no "which" in the original, which runs literally, "his right hand calls oil," or, "oil meets his right hand." The former is supposed to mean that he is hurt in the struggle to coerce the vixen, and needs ointment to heal his wound; but the latter seems the correct rendering, and the meaning then is that, if he tries to hold or stop his wife, she escapes him like the oil which you try in vain to keep in your hand. An old adage says that there are three things which cannot be hidden, but always betray themselves, viz. a woman, the wind, and ointment. The LXX. has read the Hebrew differently, translating, "The northwind is harsh, but by name it is called lucky (ἐπιδέξιος);" i.e. because it clears the sky and introduces fine weather. The Syriac, Aquila, and Symmachus have adopted the same reading. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
restraining her
צֹפְנֶ֥יהָ (ṣō·p̄ə·ne·hā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6845: To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk
is like holding back
צָֽפַן־ (ṣā·p̄an-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6845: To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk
the wind
ר֑וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
or grasping
יִקְרָֽא׃ (yiq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read
oil
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן (wə·še·men)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness
with one’s right hand.
יְמִינ֣וֹ (yə·mî·nōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south
Links
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Proverbs 27:16 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 27:16 Restraining her is like restraining the wind (Prov. Pro Pr)