Do Not Cast Pearls

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6 ESV). This command, “Do not cast pearls” is found at the end of a section of verses about judging others. We are warned that as we judge others we will likewise be judged. We are not to point out some flaw in another when we have an even greater flaw in ourselves to take care of. It is in that context that we are instructed not to give that which is holy and of great value to dogs and pigs.

To the Jews, dogs and pigs are considered unclean and suggest vile sinful people that the Jewish leaders would avoid. That which is holy and of great worth could suggest the word of God and the truths of the gospel. This metaphor is thus generally understood of not delivering or communicating the word of God or the truths of the gospel to vile evil people. But should not all hear the gospel as there might be some lost sheep found among them?

Since this metaphor is at the end of a section about judging others then it must somehow relate to that context. I believe it has to do with how we use the word of God and the gospel when around vile evil people. What message are we communicating? Is it judging them or sharing the love and forgiveness of God? Proverbs provides guidance for us: “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:7-8 ESV). 

In place of correction we might consider sharing the message: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17 ESV). There are testimonies of men of great evil coming to salvation because of expressions of love and forgiveness from those being tortured. There may be times when God would have us say nothing, but foremost, our goal is to find lost sheep and guide them spiritually, not to increase the anger and hate of people and thus push them farther away from God.

Prayer

Father, you promised to give us the words to say when facing a difficult situation. I pray that our stance before evil would be that of Jesus with a clear message of love and forgiveness, being willing to suffer for our faith if called upon to do so.

See "The Commands of Jesus" Index to view other commands.