How is a beautiful woman without discretion like a gold ring in a pig’s snout (Proverbs 11:22)?

Answer

Proverbs 11:22 is a metaphor comparing incompatible or incongruous things: “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion” (ESV). This striking analogy is part of a broader admonition for men to carefully and wisely choose a prudent woman as a wife.

Bible commentators interpret this vivid comparison in various ways, with each perspective offering a slightly different insight into the proverb’s nugget of wisdom. For historical context, it’s crucial to note that nose rings were commonly worn as jewelry by women in ancient Israel (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21; Ezekiel 16:12), just as some women wear them today. However, such exquisite gold jewelry would be completely out of place in a pig’s nose.

First Interpretation: The pig could symbolize a woman lacking good sense, with the gold ring representing her beauty. The term discretion in Proverbs 11:22 denotes the ability to judge wisely. A woman with discretion possesses the appealing quality of moral insight. A woman lacking discretion “lacks moral sensibility, propriety, or good taste—she is unchaste. Her beauty will be misused” (The NET Bible First Edition Notes, Biblical Studies Press, 2006). Another commentator explains, “Outward female beauty combined with indiscreet behavior is worthless and morally repugnant” (Buzzell, S., “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Vol. 1, Walvoord & Zuck, eds., Victor Books, 1985, p. 929).

Second Interpretation: Considering the metaphorical structure—“A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout” (NLT)—the gold nose ring would more likely symbolize the woman, while the pig represents the one “wearing” her, meaning her husband. In this context, the proverb cautions that even though the woman may be bea

Beautiful, she is not a suitable choice for a wife if she lacks discretion. Marrying a woman without moral judgment would be just as inappropriate as selecting a valuable piece of jewelry to adorn the snout of a pig, a notoriously unclean animal for Jews.

Third Interpretation: The gold ring represents the beautiful woman, and the swine symbolizes her woeful lack of discretion. The jewelry may be attractive—yet consider what accompanies it! The woman’s impropriety and lack of taste completely overshadow and devalue her physical charms. The message is clear: men, when seeking rings, beware of pigs.

Some commentators see the “gold ring in a pig’s snout” as a humorous comparison, illustrating the absurdity of assuming a woman’s physical loveliness could somehow excuse her lack of character. A similar sentiment is conveyed differently in Proverbs 12:4: “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” Proverbs 31:30 warns, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” While outer beauty may initially attract a man to a woman, it can also ensnare him. Instead of choosing a wife who is a crowning jewel deserving high praise, a man who selects a beautiful woman lacking discretion acquires a frivolous, insensible companion who will make him appear foolish.

Abigail, who later became the wife of King David, was commended by him for her discretion: “Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!” «and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. », (1 Samuel 25:33, ESV). Abigail’s good sense made David appear wise rather than foolish.

“A beautiful ornament and a pig are as incongruous as a beautiful woman who has no taste or ethic.

All judgment,” asserts the notes in the NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2006). “Beauty is wasted on a foolish woman like a gold ring is wasted on a pig’s snout,” suggests A Handbook on Proverbs (Reyburn, W., & Fry, E., United Bible Societies, 2000, p. 254). In either case, the beauty is decidedly misplaced.

No matter how you interpret the metaphor, the lesson for the wise man is clear: make sure to choose a prudent wife. Building a strong marriage is challenging enough. Add to it a spouse who lacks discretion, and you’ll only increase the potential for countless more problems, like infidelity, misuse of resources, financial instability, and disagreements about how to parent.