Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:22, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
American Standard Version
[As] a ring of gold in a swine's snout, [So is] a fair woman that is without discretion.
World English Bible version
Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
Proverbs 11:22 Meaning & Commentary
Could you imagine a gold ring in a pig’s snout? A pig is easily one of the filthiest animals in the world; they roll around in the mud for fun! If there is one word that comes to mind when I think of a gold ring in a pig’s snout, that is INAPPROPRIATE. The Bible likens a pig with a golden ring in its snout to a beautiful woman without discretion. The word discretion is the Hebrew word “taam,” which can also be translated as judgment or discernment.
So, just as a gold ring in a pig’s snout is inappropriate, so too is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion, judgment, or discernment. This is like a beautiful woman who does not recognize her value or makes terrible life choices, such as dating or marrying a man with no integrity or who has impure motives. It boggles the mind of anyone looking in from the outside; you have this beautiful woman who lacks discretion or judgment to such a degree that she will make poor choices that everyone else looking from the outside in will recognize but she fails to recognize. We know that human beings are special to God, but The Bible specifically especially highlights that a woman’s heart and spirit are very precious to Him: 1 Peter 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
This is why it is excruciating to observe a beautiful woman making terrible decisions and bad judgment calls; it ruins the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which a woman of God should carry. Even people who do not know God look down upon a woman who does not respect herself – It’s just inappropriate, or as The Bible says, it’s like a gold ring in a pig’s snout!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:22 to our lives?
If we look at this scripture from a male and female perspective, there is a message for both here. The message is that we are valuable and precious to God, and we should not be found doing anything that will not glorify God and is respectable. The Bible commands us to walk properly and appropriately as children of God: Ephesians 5:1-3 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Notice especially the words, “as is proper among saints.”
There is a particular lifestyle we should walk and a way we should behave. This is what is called a proper way of living. These are things such as holiness, purity, seeking God, being kind and merciful, giving, being joyful, etc. This is proper conduct for a believer. If we are not sure what proper and acceptable conduct and behavior are, we need to seek God, read His Word, and ask him for Wisdom, which we know He will give us. As we do, God will direct us and help us to walk as children of God, or as The Bible says – Children of the light: Ephesians 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
So, The Bible says we are children of light (Truth), but that we need to walk as also then children of light (Behavior). Our behavior should reflect the truth! Some behaviors and actions are inappropriate and “out of place,” such as the beautiful woman in Proverbs 11:22 who acts without discretion!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for encouraging me through Your Word to walk in an appropriate way that reflects Your nature that I carry inside me. I pray that when people find out that I am a Christian, they will not be shocked because of the poor example I set, but they will be drawn to you because of how I conduct my life. I pray and ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
