Pro 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout - Would you put a gold ring in a pig’s nose? An iron ring perhaps, but not a gold ring! When we think of a golden jewel, we usually think of something beautiful. But, a gold jewel in a pig’s nose? Not so beautiful any more. I google this question: Why do farmers put a ring or rings in the pig’s nose? I got this answer: “It is a natural tendency for a pig to "root" or "dig" with their nose. God designed their noses for that purpose. In order to keep them from plowing up the countryside or rooting under the fence and escaping, rings were put in their noses to cause pain when they started "rooting", counteracting the desire to dig.” Would it be prudent then to fashion the most beautiful and precious of metals into a ring then put it in the nose of a pig knowing that it would be subjected to such disgusting filth and abuse? Of course the answer is No; an iron ring would suffice. So is a fair woman which is without discretion - As a golden ring in a pig’s nose is not beautiful anymore but a waste, by the same token, what a waste it will be for God's most beautiful creature, a woman, who is a fool. Her beauty is compared to a golden jewel. Her character is compared to a pig. Solomon is saying what a waste of beauty. Her beauty should be given to another who is virtuous and wise. The word "Discretion" according to Strong’s Definition is: intelligence; advice, behaviour, decree, discretion, judgment, reason, taste, and understanding. A woman without discretion is irritating in speech and action. A beautiful woman without discretion has spoiled God’s creation on her. Solomon is comparing a beautiful woman who is without discretion to that golden ring in a pig’s nose. It may have been beautiful at one point, but not any longer - not in a pig's nose! A beautiful woman who lacks character wastes away her beauty. It is hard to appreciate a gold nose ring on a big, fat, stinking, grunting, and hairy pig! Likewise, t is difficult to appreciate a beautiful woman who lacks character. A beautiful woman is only as beautiful as her actions allow her to be. She is not beautiful when she is not demonstrating discretion, wisdom, virtue, kindness, compassion, etc. Solomon knew more about women than anyone else. He once lusted after their beauty. He knew the danger, so he warned his son against beautiful women: “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart” (Proverbs 6:25). He was referring to the loose women. Young men and women: how do you choose your future spouse? Look not at the face only! Look beyond mere beauty. Choose one who has discretion and virtue that make her/him desirable companion. A woman with discretion will be respected (v.16). She always knows how to act, and she does it in such a way as to be delightfully charming to all those around her. She is an honour to her husband; and a bad wife is her husband’s reproach: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4). Beauty is only skin deep; so look beyond the skin. Look for inner beauty! Solomon warns: “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19). So, if you want a happy marriage, look beyond the face.