S) "22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout
So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."
Proverbs 11:22 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 11
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 11
O) Rings of gold are valuable in this world, even thousands of years after this verse was written. Even still, a gold ring in the nose of a pig isn't really doing anything useful with that ring (or even with the pig). As ugly as the truth is, beauty can garner a lot of favor in this world. Even so, when it is not paired with discretion, it is wasted, even if it raises the value of a pig. God makes many things and people beautiful, and all should be to His glory.The best way (maybe the only way) to glorify God with a person's beauty, is through discretion and good taste.
A) The biggest place for me to apply this, is certainly in my parenting. My son may grow to be quite handsome, but there is not the same worldly pressure for men to chase beauty. So, my efforts ahould be mostly focused on teaching my daughters the importance of discretion and tasteful beauty (which they certainly learn from Kristin as well, leading them by example). Perhaps the best way for me to get this across, is with positive reinforcement, showing them what I value in them being their behavior, not their appearance. Their outward reflection of a good heart, is more beautiful than any adornment. They are lovely girls, both, and the world will teach them that there is value in their beauty (too much, I'm afraid). But it is up to me and Kristin to help them understand that the world is offering them the role of swines, when they are meant to be women.
A) The biggest place for me to apply this, is certainly in my parenting. My son may grow to be quite handsome, but there is not the same worldly pressure for men to chase beauty. So, my efforts ahould be mostly focused on teaching my daughters the importance of discretion and tasteful beauty (which they certainly learn from Kristin as well, leading them by example). Perhaps the best way for me to get this across, is with positive reinforcement, showing them what I value in them being their behavior, not their appearance. Their outward reflection of a good heart, is more beautiful than any adornment. They are lovely girls, both, and the world will teach them that there is value in their beauty (too much, I'm afraid). But it is up to me and Kristin to help them understand that the world is offering them the role of swines, when they are meant to be women.
P) Father, I want to be a good dad. I want desperately, to raise daughters who understand that beauty is only truly valuable, if it is paired with good character. Open their eyes to see through the lies that the world is selling them. And my son... God let him also realize that the world is trying to sell him pigs with gold rings. Help him to see through the swindlers. Let my kids learn and grow in a household that values people for their righteous character, and for the fact that we are bearers of Your divine image. Be glorified by their views of on beauty and value. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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