Proverbs 27:16 net — Whoever contains her has contained the wind or can grasp oil with his right hand.

NET Bible

"Whoever contains her has contained the wind or can grasp oil with his right hand."

— Proverbs 27:16, NET Bible

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Proverbs 27:16 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 27 — Context

13

Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger, and hold him in pledge on behalf of a stranger.

14

If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.

15

A continual dripping on a rainy day– a contentious wife makes herself like that.

16

Whoever contains her has contained the wind or can grasp oil with his right hand.

17

As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.

18

The one who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever takes care of his master will be honored.

19

As in water the face is reflected as a face, so a person’s heart reflects the person.

Proverbs 27:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 27:16 say?
Proverbs 27:16 in the NET Bible reads: “Whoever contains her has contained the wind or can grasp oil with his right hand.”
Where is Proverbs 27:16 in the Bible?
Proverbs 27:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 27, verse 16.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 27:16.
What translation should I read Proverbs 27:16 in?
Proverbs 27:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 27:16?
Proverbs 27:16 reads (NET): “Whoever contains her has contained the wind or can grasp oil with his right hand.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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