Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. New Living Translation A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. English Standard Version Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. Berean Standard Bible Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. King James Bible As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. New King James Version As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. New American Standard Bible As a ring of gold in a pig’s snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. NASB 1995 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. NASB 1977 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. Legacy Standard Bible As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout So is a beautiful woman who turns away from discretion. Amplified Bible As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty]. Christian Standard Bible A beautiful woman who rejects good sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. Holman Christian Standard Bible A beautiful woman who rejects good sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. American Standard Version As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a fair woman that is without discretion. Contemporary English Version A beautiful woman who acts foolishly is like a gold ring on the snout of a pig. English Revised Version As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. GOD'S WORD® Translation [Like] a gold ring in a pig's snout, [so] is a beautiful woman who lacks good taste. Good News Translation Beauty in a woman without good judgment is like a gold ring in a pig's snout. International Standard Version Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. NET Bible Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion. New Heart English Bible Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. Webster's Bible Translation As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLike a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. World English Bible Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA ring of gold in the nose of a sow—A beautiful woman and stubborn of behavior. Young's Literal Translation A ring of gold in the nose of a sow -- A fair woman and stubborn of behaviour. Smith's Literal Translation A ring of gold in the nose of a swine, a fair woman and she departed from discernment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA golden ring in a swine's snout, a woman fair and foolish. Catholic Public Domain Version A beautiful and senseless woman is like a gold ring in the snout of a swine. New American Bible Like a golden ring in a swine’s snout is a beautiful woman without judgment. New Revised Standard Version Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without good sense. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLike a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman without discretion. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like a nose ring of gold in the snout of the pig, so is a beautiful woman who has turned from discretion. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman that turneth aside from discretion. Brenton Septuagint Translation As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded women. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Dishonest Scales…21Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. 22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 23The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.… Cross References 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. Isaiah 3:16-24 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” / In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; ... 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Matthew 23:27-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 1 Peter 3:5-6 For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands, / just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. 1 Timothy 2:8-10 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. / Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. Song of Solomon 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw. Ezekiel 16:14-15 Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. / But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking. 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is just as if her head were shaved. / If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. 1 Corinthians 11:13-15 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? / Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, / but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. Isaiah 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 7:34 and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. Treasury of Scripture As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. a jewel Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Ezekiel 16:15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. Nahum 3:4-6 Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts… is without Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. Proverbs 9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. Jump to Previous Beautiful Behaviour Discretion Fair Gold Jewel Lacks Nose Pig Pig's Ring Sense Shows Sow Stubborn Swine's TurnethJump to Next Beautiful Behaviour Discretion Fair Gold Jewel Lacks Nose Pig Pig's Ring Sense Shows Sow Stubborn Swine's TurnethProverbs 11 1. On DeceptionLike a gold ring in a pig’s snout This 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 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 Israel The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued. 3. Pig In ancient Israel, pigs were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law, symbolizing impurity. 4. Gold Ring A symbol of beauty and value, often used as jewelry in ancient times. 5. Beautiful Woman Represents 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 Wisdom Discretion involves making wise choices and exercising good judgment, which is a hallmark of a godly life. Cultural Relevance In a society that often prioritizes physical beauty, Christians are called to value and cultivate inner virtues. Symbolism of Purity The pig, an unclean animal, symbolizes how external beauty can be marred by a lack of moral integrity. Role of Women in Scripture Women 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” in Proverbs 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. Summary Proverbs 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-ring run 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 sky ring נֶ֣זֶם (ne·zem) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5141: A ring (worn as an ornament) in a pig’s חֲזִ֑יר (ḥă·zîr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2386: Swine, boar snout בְּאַ֣ף (bə·’ap̄) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire [is] a beautiful יָ֝פָ֗ה (yā·p̄āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 3303: Fair, beautiful woman אִשָּׁ֥ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female who lacks וְסָ֣רַת (wə·sā·raṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct Strong's 5493: To turn aside discretion. טָֽעַם׃ (ṭā·‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2940: A taste, perception, intelligence, a mandate Links Proverbs 11:22 NIVProverbs 11:22 NLT Proverbs 11:22 ESV Proverbs 11:22 NASB Proverbs 11:22 KJV Proverbs 11:22 BibleApps.com Proverbs 11:22 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 11:22 Chinese Bible Proverbs 11:22 French Bible Proverbs 11:22 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's (Prov. 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