Proverbs 27:16
Whosoeuer hideth her, hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand which be wrayeth it selfe. Proverbs 27:16 (KJV)
Proverbs 27:16, as rendered in the King James Version, reads, “Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.” This proverb belongs to the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon. The book is known for its concise, vivid imagery that offers practical guidance for living righteously and wisely.
The first clause, “whosoever hideth her hideth the wind,” illustrates the futility of trying to conceal something as intangible and unstoppable as the wind. Just as the wind cannot be trapped, certain matters—particularly deceit or wrongdoing—cannot be successfully hidden. The second clause, “the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself,” refers to a fragrant oil whose scent inevitably becomes evident, even when one attempts to keep it concealed. Both images convey the same principle: truth and its effects will become known despite human effort to suppress them.
In its immediate context (Proverbs 27:15‑16), the proverb contrasts a contentious woman with a constant, dripping rain, underscoring that some situations are beyond human control and cannot be masked. The broader themes of Proverbs repeatedly stress integrity, honesty, and the inevitability that truth will be revealed. The passage therefore serves as a reminder that attempts to hide deception or hypocrisy will ultimately fail, because the “wind” of truth and the “scent” of righteousness will surface in due time.
The practical application is clear: believers are encouraged to live with integrity, trusting that genuine character and actions will become known. By acknowledging that concealment is futile, the proverb calls us to pursue honesty now rather than rely on the hope that falsehoods will remain hidden. In this way, the saying reinforces the timeless biblical counsel to walk in truth and righteousness, confident that God’s discerning eye will bring every hidden matter to light.
