“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
Proverbs 11:22
This Proverb certainly grabs your attention, right? Let’s unpack what’s being said.
Interestingly, for a brief time, I dated the son of a pig farmer when I lived in Texas (Fun Fact ♥). Imagine the shock when this Southern California city girl saw pigs with rings in their noses!
Why would anyone put a ring in a pig’s snout?
Nose rings are put on pigs to control a behavior called “rooting.” Of course, the pig rings are not made of a precious metal like gold. But the imagery from the Psalm paints an interesting picture.
It is not wise to put something of beauty and value, such as a gold ring, in the snout of a dirty pig.
discretion: the quality of having or showing discernment of good judgment: the quality of being discreet.
A woman is as beautiful as her actions allow her to be.
My mother used to say, “Pretty is, is pretty does.”
Discretion shows wisdom in speech and deed as well as attire.
Let’s face it, in this day and age, discretion is difficult to find, especially in relation to how women present themselves.
Our culture is bombarded with sexual imagery and innuendos practically from the moment our eyes scroll a screen. Whether on a social media site, TV, or going to the mall, we are faced with a lack of modesty.
As Christ-followers, it is our responsibility to value and model modesty despite what is popular in our culture.
This goes for women and men.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12: 1-2 (emphasis mine)
We (men and women) must demonstrate our value for character over appearance.
What are ways you can demonstrate discretion? Is God speaking to you about a particular area of your life where more discretion is needed?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or prayer requests below.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30
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Oh, boy, Beckie – discretion? Our society has so much to still learn about this virtue. And every day that passes, I fear for so many who are falling through the cracks of worldly values, not those that God has given to us, and expects us to honor. No, you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear, but I’m praying for those lost in the pig pen to realize that God is calling them to Him that they might repent of their misconceptions and know how much the Lord wants to be in relationship with them.
Blessings!
Amen, Martha!
Beckie — love this post. Especially …
.
“Our culture is bombarded with sexual imagery and innuendos practically from the moment our eyes scroll a screen. Whether on a social media site, TV, or going to the mall, we are faced with a lack of modesty.”
Great lesson –
Del
Martha, I join you in prayer for our culture. How will they know there is a better way if we don’t tell them in love and demonstrate God’s ways ourselves?
Blessings!
I prefer to focus on Matthew 25:35-45, a much more important calling for Christians than being the modesty police.
Kate,
Thanks for sharing the amazing passage in Scripture. The most important thing Christians can do is LOVE as demonstrated by Jesus (and the verses you shared). We must also speak/convey the truth with a loving heart and attitude which I attempt to do on this blog. Each post generally deals with a different topic of daily living with the Bible as our guide. The topic above was modesty and discretion.
Thanks again for stopping by.
God Bless!
Beckie, you are so right. Too much of the world is caught up with either women’s “rights” or the #MeToo movement. There must be a middle ground of respect! Discretion can also (and should) apply to words. A person can look stunning until he/she opens their mouth. Sailor speak is definitely not something I admire. I admit to slipping once in a while, but a constant barrage of profanity, disrespect, and lies are horrendous.
Molly Jo, yes and amen! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to share.
Molly Jo, You bring up some valid points. Thanks for taking time to share them.
God bless!
Clearly, the initial takeaway from this relevant and thoughtful piece is… You dated the son of a pig farmer??? Wow… what a cross-cultural mission experience that must have been. Somehow I never saw you as someone with whom I could have a serious discussion about pig snouts and sex in the same conversation. You never cease to reveal intriguing new layers.
Other than that, I’m genuinely impressed (again) with your courageous willingness to jump into the midst of issues that challenge this licentious, hedonistic culture–God bless you, Lindsey. You’re always one of my favorites.
Awww, thanks Ron! Your comment made my day 🙂