Matthew 7:6

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

Context:To better understand this verse, it’s important to consider the broader context. In the preceding verses (Matthew 7:1-5), Jesus speaks about judging others, urging His followers not to judge hypocritically but to examine themselves first. He then transitions to warn against a specific kind of behavior, as mentioned in verse 6.

Jesus begins by saying, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs.” In biblical times, dogs were generally considered unclean and wild animals. Here, “dogs” symbolically represents those who are hostile or unworthy of receiving sacred or holy things. Jesus is cautioning against sharing spiritual truths, teachings, or sacred knowledge with people who will not appreciate or respect them.

The second part of the verse says, “neither cast ye your pearls before swine.” Pearls are precious and valuable, and swine or pigs were considered unclean animals under Jewish law. Similar to the previous statement, this phrase metaphorically refers to those who are unappreciative, disrespectful, or unreceptive to spiritual wisdom or the Gospel message.

The consequence of sharing holy things with dogs or casting pearls before swine is that they may trample them under their feet. In other words, these individuals may treat the sacred teachings or pearls of wisdom with contempt, indifference, or disrespect, thereby negating their value. Furthermore, Jesus warns that they may turn again and rend you, meaning they could react violently or attack the person sharing the sacred truths.

Application:This verse encourages discernment and wisdom in sharing spiritual truths. It does not mean that we should withhold the Gospel from everyone, but rather to exercise discretion in determining who is receptive and ready to receive it. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the condition of the listener’s heart and their willingness to appreciate and respect the message being shared.

• Jesus’ instruction here reminds us that not everyone will respond positively or be open to spiritual teachings. In such cases, it may be more effective to focus our efforts on those who are willing to listen and receive the Gospel, rather than wasting our time and energy on those who are hostile or uninterested.

Overall, Matthew 7:6 highlights the need for discernment and wise stewardship of spiritual truths, ensuring that we share them in a manner that will be received with reverence and understanding.