Proverbs 27:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.

NIV: restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.

NASB: He who would restrain her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.

CSB: the one who controls her controls the wind and grasps oil with his right hand.

NLT: Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands.

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

NKJV: Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.

The prior verse noted the frustration of a nagging spouse (Proverbs 27:15). Each "drip" of complaint, argument, or annoyance might be minor. But when there's a constant flow of negativity and irritation, the situation becomes unbearable. The terminology used here is literally female, but the principle applies just as well to husbands as to wives.

Here, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) notes how difficult this is to stop, for the one being annoyed. Although many people would like to restrain the wind before it causes damage or ruins a day's plans, it cannot be stopped. The wind and weather must "stop themselves," so to speak, since they don't obey mortal men. This general idea plays into Jesus' miracle of commanding the wind on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:24–25).

In another analogy, Solomon also compares restraint of a nagging spouse to grabbing a handful of oil. No matter how hard one tries, oil just slips out between the fingers. A person can try to force a spouse to stop bickering and needling, but the task is impossible. Unless the other person decides to change, the situation isn't likely to improve. In contrast, constructive disagreement can lead to great benefit (Proverbs 27:17).

Proverbs 27:7–22 continues Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:1). He reflects on wealth, poverty, friendship, the wisdom of staying away from danger, good neighborly relationships, a nagging spouse, responsibility, and the tendency of foolish people to cling to their errors.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.