“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion” (Proverbs 11:22).
This Scripture makes me laugh, but it is so very true. Let me rephrase it for you: It would be a waste of money to put a ring of real gold in a pig’s snout. In the same way, beauty is wasted on a woman who does not have good judgment.
Once, I met a very beautiful woman. Her makeup and clothes were perfect. Her complexion and figure were flawless. Yet, when she opened her mouth and began to talk to me, I was quite disappointed. Her conversation was unwise and her remarks about others were cruel.
When she finally left the room, I realized my whole opinion about her had changed. She didn’t appear beautiful to me anymore.
Many of us spend time and money trying to be beautiful, but we also need to be careful about our words and actions. Peter the apostle was married, so he had a very realistic view of women.
In 1 Peter 3:3, 4, he says: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s
sight.”
Just as a thoughtlessness attitude can change someone from appearing beautiful into seeming ugly, the opposite is also true. A sweet spirit can enhance beauty.
Yesterday, I met someone who I felt was physically very unattractive. After I finished talking with her, she seemed more beautiful to me.
I know she seems beautiful to Jesus!
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
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