Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:22

by David Chadwick

“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”

Proverbs 11:22

For a moment, can you picture a gold ring in a pig’s snout? It’s a sight that looks and sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is! In Proverbs 11:22, Solomon says, “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”

What a dramatic illustration! But it’s true. Solomon makes the comparison of a beautiful woman without discretion and without personal character to a pig with a nose ring.

Do you know what discretion is? It’s wisdom, shrewdness, care, and prudence. It’s a woman who has caution and tact, who thinks before she acts. Someone who considers the impact of decisions and brings thoughtful contributions to the table. It’s a woman who is modest and doesn’t flaunt herself in vain to the world.

But in the world’s eyes and especially in American culture, what is the main emphasis for women? Outward beauty. Our society focuses on image. Physical appearance. Success. Fame. Money. There is not a high value for integrity, honesty, and inward character.

My dad used to always tell me, “Marry a beautiful person more than a beautiful woman.” Fortunately, in my humble opinion, I got both. But the inner beauty is of far greater value in the kingdom than external beauty.

No matter how much plastic surgery or how many collagen injections a woman may receive, outward beauty will always fade. Only the inward, godly, Jesus-filled character of a woman is what lasts forever.

To further this point, another proverb in Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” With each passing day, the inward attributes of this kind of woman become more and more beautiful.

If you are a man, pursue a woman of discretion. And for you women out there, seek to be a woman of discretion. Instead of trying to find the right person, become the right person!