Proverbs 11:22-26 – Life’s three winsome attributes

Proverbs 11:22-26 leave us with three winsome attributes in life. With them, our relationship with others will certainly be made richer. These three make us attractive and enable us to build lasting friendships in our lives.  

The first of the attributes we should build is discretion. Verse 22 is talking about acting discreetly. While the illustration uses a woman, we know that man can also be just as lacking in discretion. This verse is not meant to denigrate a woman but talking about indiscretion. Among people of some communities, one common ornament that women would adorn to make themselves look attractive was the nose ring. However, what is meant to beautify would be totally misplaced on the snort of a pig, even if it should be one’s favourite pet. This is totally incongruent. Here the call is to be discreet. Whether male or female, discretion is an endearing quality of life. Discretion makes us act appropriately and acceptably. Everyone needs to be discreet. Like fine food to our taste buds, discretion adds a good taste to life.    

The second attribute the author deals with here is about desire or passion. This is one of the most powerful driving force in life. We are usually more driven to do what our desire stirs. The righteous and the wicked both have desires. The passion of the righteous is to live and do what’s right. Hence, they are showered with the favour of the Lord. The desire of the wicked, on the other hand, drives them to live an immoral lifestyle. Therefore, their just desert would be the wrath of God.   

The third attribute has to do with generosity. A person who is generous finds himself richly endowed. He gives and yet has more. We seem to have endless wealth to give out and we become richer in life.  On the other hand, a stingy person withholds goods from the needy may not be any richer. Whatever he hoards loses in value. A generous person is seen to be a sympathetic person. Generosity is like a piece of well-irrigated land, that yields plentiful harvest to benefit others. Yet at the same time the yield will also benefit the owner himself. There is a mutual benefit. Besides that, his generosity will also give him a good reputation with others. He will be well received by others. But one who is stingy is not so. He hoards his yield and earns a bad name. His miserly traits had made him a curse to the needy. 

If you wonder why some people are better approved by others around them while some seem to be driving people farther from them, here we have part of the answer. What endears us to others is a life of discretion, passion and generosity. These are attractive qualities and they help draw others to you.