Proverbs 11 Footnotes

11:19 This proverb is somewhat ambiguous in that the meaning of “life” and “death” are not spelled out. On one level, these terms have to do with quality of life here and now. On another level they have to do with length of life (see note on 9:11). While the afterlife as seen more clearly in the teachings of the NT is normally not in view in Proverbs, the NT (Lk 16:19-31) makes it clear that the principle expressed in this proverb is also true in terms of what happens beyond the grave.

11:22 This proverb is not an insult to women, but is rather a statement about priorities and what is to be valued in a woman. Proverbs values “good sense” (lit, “taste” or “discretion”) above beauty, and according to this proverb a beautiful woman who lacks good sense is as bizarre and ludicrous as a pig wearing a piece of valuable jewelry in its nose.