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May 9 The Weakness of Men

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. ~Proverbs 11:23

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. ~Proverbs 7:4-5

Ok, I know. Proverbs 11:23 looks like another slur against women. It’s in the Bible so what can I say? But, it’s NOT a slur against women. It’s another depiction of the power and influence women can have. It’s a memorable snapshot, bumper sticker style, of the wisdom in Proverbs 7. Look carefully. The picture we’re given is that the woman is like the ring, beautiful, and precious. So, what does the pig’s snout represent? It is a foolish man following a bad woman who shows no discretion. The man is the pig!

This proverb is really a warning to foolish men! It is certainly not a slur against women in general. Many women do show discretion. The proverb is simply telling the truth, that every person is an influencer for good or evil. And a woman who shows no discretion is particularly dangerous to any weak-willed man who is attracted to her physically and also lacks the discretion to stay away from her!

Now the ring in any pig’s snout is there to lead the pig. When the pig’s owner hooks a lead rope to that ring, the pig must go wherever the ringleader drags him. It is too painful to resist!

Again, Solomon wrote this proverb. With his many wives that led him into idolatry of all kinds, he must have had personal experience as the pig who felt powerless to resist their demands.

There are other examples in the Bible of this kind of relationship. Delilah led Samson into captivity. Jezebel led Ahab into idolatry. And her reputation was such that future generations gave her name to any powerful woman who showed no discretion. Even Jesus used that epithet. In Revelation 2:20, speaking to the Church in Thyatira, Jesus said, “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” That’s the proverbial gold ring, misleading many in a church!

The positive message in this is, it is very important for men and women to fight against their natural impulses that are really governed by our sinful nature, and work instead to maintain a God ordained partnership in balance, where all parties take full responsibility to be led by God rather than sinful desires.

Prayer: Father God, I want to follow you, and you alone. Help me to resist any temptation that leads me off the paths of righteousness that you have marked out. Give me discretion Lord, to see where You are and walk with you faithfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: Christ be My Leader 

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