Proverbs 11:22 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. A jewel of gold in a swine's snout - That is, beauty in a woman destitute of good breeding and modest carriage, is as becoming as a gold ring on the snout of a swine. Coverdale translates thus: "A fayre woman without discrete maners, is like a ringe of golde in a swyne's snoute." In Asiatic countries the nose jewel is very common: to this the text alludes.