The answer is: A pig's snout

Pro 11:22

Let’s take a moment to unpack the vivid imagery in Proverbs 11:22. The comparison of a fair woman lacking discretion to a gold jewel in a pig's snout powerfully highlights the idea that beauty or status is rendered meaningless without wisdom and virtue. In ancient times, societal expectations often focused on appearance, but this biblical wisdom emphasizes that inner qualities like prudence are crucial.

Now, let’s get playful with the symbolism of pigs! Pigs in the Bible often symbolize moral corruption, filth, and a lack of discernment, which ties back perfectly to the notion of lacking discretion. Interestingly, pigs are also pronounced unclean animals in Jewish dietary laws (think kosher). So, in this metaphor, the pig's snout represents something robustly unsuitable—that’s pretty successful satire!

The placement of gold—arguably one of the most desirable metals—illustrates how beauty, when devoid of moral grounding, can be misplaced. The dynamic between outward demeanor and inner character is a frequent theme in spiritual literature.

Historically, many cultures revered gold, equating it with purity and divinity. This stratified view reminds us of how crucial character is beyond superficial qualities, a lesson echoed throughout texts as varied as fairy tales to modern anecdotes, teaching us the significance of wisdom over mere aesthetic appeal. After all, it’s the inner spirit that truly shines!