King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ [As] a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, [so is] a fair woman which is without discretion.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Like a gold ring in the snout of a pig is a beautiful woman who lacks good sense.
Berean Standard Bible:
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
American Standard Version:
Asa ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So isa fair woman that is without discretion.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
As a jewel{H5141} of gold{H2091} in a swine's{H2386} snout{H639}, so is a fair{H3303} woman{H802} which is without{H5493} discretion{H2940}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Peter 3:3
- Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1 Peter 3:4
- But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Proverbs 31:30
- Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Nahum 3:4
- 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.
Nahum 3:6
- And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock.
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.
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Commentary for Proverbs 11:22
Proverbs 11:22 is a verse from the Hebrew Bible, specifically from the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings and instructions for living a moral and effective life. The book is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of King David, who is renowned for his wisdom. The sayings in Proverbs reflect the values and insights of ancient Israelite society and are meant to guide individuals in righteous living.
The verse itself uses a vivid metaphor to convey its message: "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." The imagery is striking—gold is a precious and valuable metal, and a ring in the snout of a pig would be a wasteful and incongruous placement, as the pig, being an unclean animal in Jewish law, does not appreciate or benefit from the gold's value. Similarly, the verse suggests that physical beauty in a woman without the virtue of discretion—that is, without good judgment, self-control, or wisdom—is as inappropriate and useless as the gold ring on the pig.
In the historical context of ancient Israel, where the verse was written, women's beauty was often celebrated, but the prevailing wisdom emphasized the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances. This proverb underscores the idea that true worth comes from one's character and behavior, not merely from physical attractiveness. It serves as a reminder that virtues like discretion, which can include prudence, discernment, and sound judgment, are essential for a person to be considered truly beautiful or valuable in a holistic sense.
In summary, Proverbs 11:22 emphasizes the importance of inner character over external beauty, using a powerful metaphor to illustrate that without discretion, even the most fair or beautiful individual is lacking in what truly matters for a life of wisdom and honor. This message resonates with the broader themes of the book of Proverbs, which consistently promotes the pursuit of wisdom, ethical behavior, and moral integrity as the keys to a good life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5141
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֶזֶם
Transliteration: nezem
Pronunciation: neh'-zem
Description: from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a nose-ring; earring, jewel. - Strong's Number: H2091
There are 336 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָהָב
Transliteration: zâhâb
Pronunciation: zaw-hawb'
Description: from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky; gold(-en), fair weather. - Strong's Number: H2386
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲזִיר
Transliteration: chăzîyr
Pronunciation: khaz-eer'
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to enclose; a hog (perhaps as penned); boar, swine. - Strong's Number: H639
There are 306 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַף
Transliteration: ʼaph
Pronunciation: af
Description: from אָנַף; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire; anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. - Strong's Number: H3303
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָפֶה
Transliteration: yâpheh
Pronunciation: yaw-feh'
Description: from יָפָה; beautiful (literally or figuratively); [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. - Strong's Number: H802
There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִשָּׁה
Transliteration: ʼishshâh
Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. - Strong's Number: H5493
There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סוּר
Transliteration: çûwr
Pronunciation: soor
Description: or שׂוּר; (Hosea 9:12), a primitive root; to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. - Strong's Number: H2940
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טַעַם
Transliteration: ṭaʻam
Pronunciation: tah'-am
Description: from טָעַם; properly, a taste, i.e. (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate; advice, behaviour, decree, discretion, judgment, reason, taste, understanding.