“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.” (Matthew 7:6, KJV)
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, one of the most profound teachings in the Bible. Often quoted but frequently misunderstood, Matthew 7:6 challenges us to discern how and when we share sacred truths. Let’s explore its cultural context, its relevance today, and how it is sometimes misapplied in American Christianity.
The Cultural Context of Matthew 7:6
To fully grasp this verse, we must understand the imagery Jesus uses and the cultural backdrop of His time.
Dogs and Swine in Jewish Culture
In first-century Jewish culture, both dogs and swine were seen as unclean animals. Unlike the domesticated pets we think of today, dogs in this context were often wild, scavenging creatures. Swine, being non-kosher, were associated with impurity and pagan practices.
- Dogs: Represented those outside the covenant community who were hostile to God’s truth. They symbolized irreverence and a lack of understanding for what is sacred.
- Swine: Known for their unclean status, swine symbolized those who would reject or profane holy things.
What Is “Holy” and What Are the “Pearls”?
The “holy” and the “pearls” refer to sacred truths, particularly the teachings of the kingdom of God. In the Jewish sacrificial system, holy things were consecrated to God and not to be shared casually. Pearls, valuable and beautiful, symbolize the preciousness of divine truth.
By using these metaphors, Jesus underscores the sanctity of the gospel message and the need for discernment when sharing it.
Trampling and Turning to Attack
The verse ends with a vivid warning: if you give what is holy to those who do not value it, they will trample it and potentially turn against you. This reflects the reality that sacred truths, when presented to those who are hostile or dismissive, may not only be rejected but treated with contempt.
What It Means for Us Today
Matthew 7:6 carries timeless wisdom for how Christians are to approach sharing the gospel and interacting with others.
1. Discerning When and Where to Share Truth
This verse is not a call to withhold the gospel but rather a reminder to exercise wisdom in how and when we share it. Jesus Himself demonstrated this discernment:
- He openly preached to receptive crowds and taught parables to invite deeper reflection.
- He sometimes withheld further explanations from those who were openly hostile or hardened in their unbelief (e.g., the Pharisees).
For us, discernment involves recognizing when someone is genuinely seeking truth and when someone is dismissive or antagonistic. Forcing sacred truths on those who mock or ridicule them can lead to more harm than good.
2. Protecting the Sanctity of What Is Sacred
The gospel is precious and holy. While we are called to share it freely, this verse reminds us to do so with reverence. Sharing sacred truths carelessly or in inappropriate contexts risks diminishing their perceived value.
3. Knowing When to Step Back
Sometimes, the most faithful response is to step back and entrust a situation to God. When someone persistently rejects or mocks the gospel, continuing to engage may only lead to greater resistance. This doesn’t mean giving up on people but recognizing that only God can change hearts.
Misinterpretations and Misuses in American Christianity
Matthew 7:6 is often misused or misinterpreted in ways that distort its meaning or intent. Here are a few examples:
1. Elitism and Exclusion
Some interpret this verse as a license to judge who is “worthy” of hearing the gospel. This mindset creates an elitist approach, where certain groups or individuals are deemed unworthy of God’s grace. Such an interpretation contradicts the heart of the gospel, which is an invitation for all to come to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, John 3:16).
2. Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Others use this verse as an excuse to avoid sharing the gospel altogether, especially in challenging or uncomfortable situations. While discernment is essential, fear of rejection or conflict should not prevent us from obeying the Great Commission.
3. Dismissing People Too Quickly
In some circles, Matthew 7:6 is applied to justify prematurely giving up on someone who doesn’t immediately respond positively to the gospel. However, many people come to faith after years of seeds being planted and watered (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Discernment must be balanced with patience and perseverance.
4. Misapplying It to Personal Offenses
Sometimes, this verse is used to justify withdrawing from relationships or avoiding people based on personal disagreements or offenses. While there are times when boundaries are necessary, this verse is specifically about sharing sacred truths, not general relational conflicts.
How to Apply This Verse Faithfully
1. Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Discernment is not something we achieve on our own—it requires prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Before sharing the gospel or sacred truths, ask God for wisdom to discern the timing, context, and readiness of the person you’re engaging with.
2. Share the Gospel Freely, but Wisely
The gospel is for everyone, but not everyone will be receptive at the same time. Share truth lovingly and boldly, but be mindful of when continued engagement may lead to mockery or hostility.
3. Don’t Take Rejection Personally
When someone rejects the gospel, remember that they are rejecting Christ, not you. Jesus faced rejection and warned His disciples to expect the same (John 15:18-20). Our responsibility is to be faithful in sharing, not to control the outcome.
4. Be Patient and Trust God’s Timing
Some hearts are hard, but that doesn’t mean they will always remain so. Pray for those who reject the gospel and trust God to work in their lives. Your role may be to plant a seed that someone else will water later.
5. Guard the Sacred Without Becoming Exclusive
While we are called to protect the sanctity of the gospel, this doesn’t mean we become gatekeepers who decide who is worthy of it. Always approach others with humility and the recognition that we are recipients of God’s grace, not its distributors.
A Call to Balance
Matthew 7:6 is a call to balance: to share the gospel boldly while exercising wisdom and reverence. It reminds us that the message of Christ is precious and holy, deserving of careful stewardship. At the same time, it challenges us to trust God with the hearts of those who reject or ridicule the truth.
As believers, we must resist the temptation to use this verse as a means of exclusion or avoidance. Instead, let it inspire us to approach every interaction with discernment, humility, and love, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours and that He can use even the smallest seeds we plant to bring about His purposes.
In a world that often trivializes sacred things, may we hold fast to the truth of the gospel, sharing it with both courage and compassion. And may we always remember that the One who calls us to proclaim His Word is also the One who softens hearts and brings people to Himself.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, KJV)
This verse challenges us to steward the truth faithfully, trusting that God will use it in His perfect time and way.
Leave a Reply