An Exercise in Futility

“Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind,
and the ointment of his right hand,
which bewrayeth itself” (Prov 27:16).

This proverb continues where last week’s left off. The woman who nags, complains, and wears people down to get what she wants is impossible to live with. In fact, trying to restrain her (that is the idea behind the words “hideth her”) is an exercise in futility. Anybody who tries to restrain her is in for a real headache. The writer of this proverb says that trying to restrain this kind of woman is like trying to hold back the wind. How are you going to hold back the wind? Can you build a wall big enough to stop it? Can you make a sail big enough to catch it all? Restraining the wind is impossible! So is trying to restrain a woman who always has to have her own way and will whine, cajole, and nag until she gets it.
The proverb says it’s also like trying to grab oil in your hand. Oil is greasy and slippery, like a deceitful person (that’s where we get the word “bewrayeth” or “betrayeth”). You can’t get a good grip on it. Have you ever put lotion or something on your hand and then you couldn’t turn a doorknob because your hand was so slippery? That’s how it is for the unfortunate person who has to live with this selfish, complaining, nagging woman. Whether it is this girl’s father or husband, her selfishness and stubbornness makes his life miserable.
Girls, are you a woman who is impossible to restrain? Are you proud of the fact that you can get whatever you want from your parents? Are you pleased that nobody can tell you “no”? I hope not! I hope instead that you are a godly and submissive young woman, the kind described in 1 Peter 3:4. “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”