In Matthew 7:6, Jesus says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” This verse has puzzled many Bible readers over the years. What did Jesus mean by this cryptic saying? Let’s take a closer look at the context and meaning of this verse.
The Context
Matthew 7:6 comes in the midst of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus is teaching his disciples and the crowds about the kingdom of heaven and how they ought to live. He teaches them about the beatitudes, fasting, prayer, money, worry, judging others, and more. Our verse comes right after Jesus warns his disciples about judging others. He tells them to first take the log out of their own eye before trying to remove the speck from their brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5).
Immediately after this, Jesus transitions to the topic of not giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before swine. It seems that Jesus wants his disciples to have discernment about who they share spiritual truths with. There are some people who will not appreciate or value the precious truths of God.
Don’t Cast Pearls Before Swine
In the analogy Jesus uses, the “pearls” represent the spiritual truths or kingdom secrets he has been teaching his disciples. Pearls were very valuable in the ancient world. The “pigs” (wild boars) represent those who would not properly value spiritual truth. Pigs only cared about food like acorns, roots, or rubbish. They had no appreciation for expensive pearls. If a pearl were thrown to them, they would not understand its worth. More than that, they might even trample the pearls underfoot in their hunger for something else.
Jesus warns his disciples not to share holy and sacred spiritual truths with those who are not ready to receive them. Some people are like pigs, who will not see the value in spiritual truths and may even reject them or attack them. We need to be careful and discerning about who we share certain spiritual insights with.
Shaking the Dust Off Your Feet
Later in Matthew 10:14, Jesus expands on this theme. He tells his disciples that if a town will not receive them or listen to their words, they are to shake the dust off their feet and move on. Some people have hardened their hearts to the message about Jesus. The disciples were not to continue preaching to resistant people or trying to force them to believe. They needed to focus their energy where it would be effective.
Who Are the Dogs and Pigs?
When Jesus refers to dogs and pigs in this verse, who is he talking about? In the culture of that time, dogs and pigs were often viewed as unclean or impure animals. Many interpreters believe the dogs and pigs in this verse represent people who are hostile to the gospel – people who ridicule, persecute, and attack believers. Jesus is warning his disciples not to continually expose the gospel to people who have proven themselves to be vicious adversaries of the faith. Their hostile reception demonstrates they have rejected the truth. At some point, the disciples need to move on and minister elsewhere.
While dogs and pigs often represent obstinate unbelievers, it can also apply to people in general who do not yet have “ears to hear”. If a person is distracted, arrogant, or lacks spiritual interest, it may be pointless to continue forcing the message upon them. It is better to focus energy where it can bear fruit.
With Gentleness and Respect
Does this mean we should never share our faith with unbelievers? Of course not! The New Testament contains many examples of respectfully proclaiming the gospel message to all people. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Unbelievers need to hear about salvation through Christ. Yet we must share the gospel wisely. As Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Some receive the good news gladly. Others may initially mock and reject it. We need to be discerning about people’s receptivity, while still looking for opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers with gentleness and respect.
Sharing Milk Before Solid Food
Paul also talks about beginning with spiritual “milk” before moving on to “solid food” when discipling new believers in 1 Corinthians 3:2. Maturity takes time. We need to start people where they are at and lead them along in their spiritual growth. Not every new Christian is ready to dive in deep right away. Patience and wisdom are needed.
Private Teachings for Disciples
It’s also worth noting that Jesus did teach his disciples deeper truths in private that the crowds were not yet ready for. In Matthew 13:10-11, the disciples ask Jesus why he speaks to the crowds in parables. He replies, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.” Some kingdom mysteries were reserved for those who left everything to follow Christ.
Avoiding Unnecessary Persecution
One final note is that Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:6 may also be intended to simply keep his disciples safe. Why stir up unbelievers and religious opponents unnecessarily? This could incite persecution against them. Jesus knew that persecution was coming, but he also took appropriate precautions to protect his disciples and his ministry. There is spiritual wisdom in avoiding unnecessary hostility and conflict in certain situations.
Key Principles
In summary, here are some key principles we can take away about not casting pearls before swine:
– Have discernment when sharing deep spiritual truths. Some people are not ready or willing to receive them. Focus on receptivity.
– Don’t continually expose spiritual truths to hostile mockers who have rejected the gospel. At some point, shake the dust off your feet.
– Approach unbelievers with gentleness and respect, looking for opportunities to share the message. But also be wise about receptivity.
– Start new Christians on “milk” before moving to “solid food.” Maturity takes time.
– In private discipleship settings, deeper kingdom secrets can be shared versus large public gatherings.
– Avoid unnecessary persecution when possible by not stirring up hostile enemies of the faith without cause.
The truths of God are incredibly valuable! As believers, we need wisdom to steward these well. While openly proclaiming the gospel, we also must use discernment. Let us share spiritual truths with those who have ears to hear, while avoiding unnecessary hostility from hardened hearts. In all things, speaking the truth in love.
