Proverbs 11:22 paints a picture. It’s imagery we use today without thinking about the verse. Who would want to put a gold ring in a pig’s snout anyway? Would anybody waste a piece of jewelry on a hog?
A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
Proverbs 11:22 (NLT)
When I drew this cartoon, I quoted the New International Reader’s Version. That translation uses “no sense.” Discretion adds quite a bit of meaning. It means to use good judgment and to speak in such a way as to not cause offense or reveal sensitive information.
We live in an age where discretion seems to be lacking.
- Celebrities broadcast their dirty little secrets
- Social media causes people to broadcast the most trivial parts of their private lives
- Politicians weaponize words to make rival parties the enemy
Discretion’s challenge
Discretion calls all of us to use our better judgment. That can be difficult when we are rushed to make a quick comment or when we’re tempted to say something flippant.
However, it could keep many people out of trouble. How many times have you said something only to wish you could take it back? Yes, me too. Discretion can keep us from saying something that we will come to regret. It can help us keep our friendships and establish goodwill.
What if discretion came in vogue once again? What would that look like?
- Celebrities could exchange TMI for respect
- We could use social media to inspire and encourage others
- Politicians could learn to compromise again and get something done
I know. It’s dreamy, pie-in-the-sky thinking. Still, the world would look and feel much better if more people used some discretion. At the very least, it could help a few more single people get some dates without a gold ring in the snout.
