Wisdom has a sense of humor. Many of the proverbs in the Old Testament have a humorous twist to point out something so ridiculous as to be laughable. Today’s proverb is like that. “A beautiful woman who rejects good sense is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” (Proverbs 11:22, CSB)
Let’s break this down a bit. First, this does not perpetuate the false stereotype that beauty equals stupidity. Later in Proverbs, chapter 31, describes a beautiful woman of good sense. We could also call that common sense, a basic discernment of the circumstances around them. We all know folks who have common sense and those who don’t.
In the simile, the proverb compares this lack of sense with a gold ring in a pig’s snout. Nose rings are used to control an animal. Keep in mind that to the Hebrews, pigs were filthy animals that they were not permitted to eat. So, the picture shows a gold accessory on something worthless.
Lack of common sense often stems from trying to gain acceptance from peers. We see this on display in the entertainment industry. An attractive person with talent spouts off on the cause of the day, as if their words matter. They are as clueless as the golden ringed preening pig.
We could have a good chuckle and leave it there. But what can we glean from this proverb for ourselves? The most obvious question is, how do we gain good sense so we aren’t like that gilded sow? It’s not a mystery. Pursue God’s wisdom by reading and doing His Word. Treat others, even in their arrogance, with humility and teachableness. Ask questions and seek to understand the why behind someone’s stance. Pray as you make decisions. And lastly, know your own “why.”
Peter gave us insight into knowing our “why” and its possible consequences. “Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:13–16, CSB) Those who lack good sense regard themselves as holy; we are to regard and know that only Christ is holy.
If we were to paint an opposite simile to the gilded sow, what would it be? Instead of a nose ring, the adornment would be a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). But it is not our glory, but the glory of Jesus. That crown is cast before the throne of God in worship and praise (Rev 4:10-11).
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