Like a gold ring in a pig’s snoutThis phrase uses a vivid metaphor to convey a powerful message. In ancient times, gold was a symbol of wealth and beauty, often used in jewelry and adornments. A gold ring signifies something valuable and desirable. However, placing it in a pig's snout, an animal considered unclean in Jewish law (
Leviticus 11:7), creates a stark contrast. The pig, known for its association with filth and lack of discernment, would not appreciate or enhance the value of the gold ring. This imagery highlights the incongruity and futility of placing something precious in an inappropriate context. The metaphor serves to illustrate the absurdity of misplacing value and beauty where it cannot be appreciated or where it is out of place.
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion
The comparison here is between the gold ring in a pig's snout and a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. In biblical times, beauty was often seen as a blessing and a sign of favor (Genesis 12:11,Esther 2:7). However, the lack of discretion, or the inability to make wise and moral decisions, diminishes the value of physical beauty. Discretion involves wisdom, understanding, and the ability to judge matters rightly (Proverbs 2:11). The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character over outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7,1 Peter 3:3-4). This proverb warns against valuing external beauty without the accompanying virtues of wisdom and discernment. It underscores the biblical principle that true beauty is found in godly character and wise living, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the heart's condition over external appearances (Matthew 23:27-28).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued.
3.
PigIn ancient Israel, pigs were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law, symbolizing impurity.
4.
Gold RingA symbol of beauty and value, often used as jewelry in ancient times.
5.
Beautiful WomanRepresents physical attractiveness, which is contrasted with the lack of inner virtue or discretion.
Teaching Points
Value of Inner BeautyTrue beauty is found in character and discretion, not just physical appearance.
Discretion as WisdomDiscretion involves making wise choices and exercising good judgment, which is a hallmark of a godly life.
Cultural RelevanceIn a society that often prioritizes physical beauty, Christians are called to value and cultivate inner virtues.
Symbolism of PurityThe pig, an unclean animal, symbolizes how external beauty can be marred by a lack of moral integrity.
Role of Women in ScriptureWomen are encouraged to develop qualities that reflect God's wisdom and character, as seen in
Proverbs 31.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:22?
2.How does Proverbs 11:22 illustrate the importance of inner beauty over outward appearance?
3.What does Proverbs 11:22 teach about the value of discretion in women?
4.How can we cultivate discretion as described in Proverbs 11:22 in our lives?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of inner character over physical beauty?
6.How can Proverbs 11:22 guide us in choosing role models or friends?
7.What does Proverbs 11:22 imply about the relationship between beauty and wisdom?
8.How does Proverbs 11:22 reflect cultural views on women in biblical times?
9.Why does Proverbs 11:22 use a gold ring in a pig's snout as a metaphor?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11?
11.What does Proverbs 11:22 symbolize about misplaced beauty?
12.What is Emblematic Parallelism in literature?
13.What is the Bible's stance on classism?
14.What does Proverbs 11:22 symbolize about misplaced beauty?What Does Proverbs 11:22 Mean
The Image of the Gold Ring• “Like a gold ring…” (Proverbs 11:22).
• Gold in Scripture signals value, purity, and something set apart (Genesis 24:22;Revelation 3:18).
• A ring, placed prominently on the face, was both adornment and public statement (Isaiah 3:18-21).
• The picture opens with an object of unquestioned worth—inviting us to ask where real worth belongs (1 Peter 3:3).
In a Pig’s Snout• “…in a pig’s snout…”
• A pig is ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:7), a vivid emblem of defilement for Israel.
• The shock lies in contrast: priceless beauty placed where filth and stench reside (Matthew 7:6;2 Peter 2:22).
• God’s Word confronts us with how easily true value is squandered when joined to what is unholy.
A Beautiful Woman• “…is a beautiful woman…”
• God is not dismissing beauty; He created it (Genesis 1:31). Esther’s loveliness gained royal attention (Esther 2:7), and Sarah’s was noted even by kings (Genesis 12:11-15).
• Yet Scripture consistently warns that outward appearance is secondary to heart condition (1 Samuel 16:7;Proverbs 31:30).
• The proverb affirms physical attraction while preparing to expose its insufficiency.
Who Lacks Discretion• “…who lacks discretion.”
• Discretion includes sound judgment, self-control, and moral insight (Proverbs 2:11; 3:21).
• Without it, beauty becomes bait for folly—captivating eyes while endangering souls (Proverbs 5:3-9;Titus 2:5).
• The same term translated “discretion” also underlies “grace” inProverbs 11:16, linking wisdom with true charm.
The Divine Value System• God prizes inner character over outer polish. “Let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart, with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4).
• Modesty and good works outshine fashion (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
• In heaven’s economy, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) outvalues any cosmetic.
Practical Application• Guard the heart: “Whatever is true…think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
• Offer the body as a living sacrifice—mind renewed, values transformed (Romans 12:1-2).
• Dress and deportment should reflect holiness, not vanity (Ephesians 5:3-4;Colossians 3:12).
• Parents and mentors: celebrate inner virtues as vigorously as report-card grades or athletic wins.
SummaryProverbs 11:22 paints a startling contrast: priceless beauty squandered by moral carelessness. God’s Word exalts purity of heart above physical allure, warning that without discretion even the most dazzling exterior becomes as incongruous—and offensive—as fine gold buried in swine’s grime. Real worth is found when outward gifts are governed by inward godliness.
(22)
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout.--Rather,
a nose-ringrun through the right nostril and hanging down over the mouth; a female ornament used from the earliest times (
Genesis 24:47;
Isaiah 3:21;
Ezekiel 16:12), and still worn in the East.
Verse 22. - This is the first instance of direct "similitude" in the book.
As a jewel [a ring]
of gold in a swine's snout. The greatest incongruity is thus expressed. Women in the East wore, and still sometimes wear, a ring run through the nostril, and hanging over the mouth, so that it is necessary to hold it up when taking food. Such a
nezem Abraham's servant gave to Rebekah (
Genesis 24:22; comp.
Isaiah 3:21;
Ezekiel 16:12). The Septuagint has
ἐνώτιον, "an earring."
So is a fair woman which is without discretion; without taste, deprived of the faculty of saying and doing what is seemly and fitting. The external beauty of such a woman is as incongruous as a precious ring in the snout of a pig. Lesetre quotes an Arab proverb: "A woman without modesty is food without salt." Whether swine in Eastern countries were "ringed," as they are with us nowadays, is unknown; if they were thus treated, the proverb is still more vivid.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Like a goldזָ֭הָב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyringנֶ֣זֶם(ne·zem)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5141:A ring (worn as an ornament)in a pig’sחֲזִ֑יר(ḥă·zîr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2386:Swine, boarsnoutבְּאַ֣ף(bə·’ap̄)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire[is] a beautifulיָ֝פָ֗ה(yā·p̄āh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3303:Fair, beautifulwomanאִשָּׁ֥ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalewho lacksוְסָ֣רַת(wə·sā·raṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5493:To turn asidediscretion.טָֽעַם׃(ṭā·‘am)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2940:A taste, perception, intelligence, a mandate
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's (Prov. Pro Pr) 
