“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)
In His profound Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to discern wisely how we share the truths of the Gospel. This particular verse, Matthew 7:6, is a powerful admonition about the sacredness of divine truth and the caution we must exercise in sharing it.
The imagery of “dogs” and “swine” in this verse, while harsh to modern ears, communicates the idea of those who would not appreciate, respect, or understand the value of what is given to them. In the Biblical context, dogs were not the beloved household pets we know today but were often wild or unclean according to Jewish law; swine, likewise, were considered unclean animals (Leviticus 11:7). Thus, the reference to these animals symbolizes those who are spiritually unprepared or unwilling to receive the truth of the Gospel.
The word “holy” (ἅγιον, hagion in Greek) signifies something set apart for God, inherently sacred and consecrated. By describing the message of the kingdom as “holy,” Jesus emphasizes its divine origin and sanctity. Similarly, “pearls” metaphorically represent the precious and profound truths of God’s kingdom. Just as pearls are formed through a slow and painstaking process within oysters, spiritual truths are often gained through deep reflection and divine revelation.
The Apostle Paul also speaks to this concept of spiritual readiness in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2: “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” Here, Paul recognizes that new believers (or “babes in Christ”) are not yet ready for deeper, more complex teachings (“meat”). They must first be nourished by the basic, fundamental truths of the faith (“milk”).
This approach is not about withholding truth but about providing what is most beneficial for spiritual growth at the appropriate time. It reflects a loving and pastoral concern for the well-being and development of new believers. As believers mature, they gradually grow into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the “meat” of the Word.
Let us then approach our witness and discipleship with wisdom, tailoring our sharing of the Gospel to the spiritual condition and readiness of our listeners. We should strive to foster growth, understanding, and appreciation for the profound beauty of the Gospel. In doing so, we not only protect what is holy but also lovingly guide others towards a fuller, deeper relationship with Christ.
Please ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to discern how to share your holy pearls of sacred truths. He will help you to nurture the young in faith with gentleness, providing them with the nourishing milk of The Word, and prepare them for the deeper riches of God’s kingdom. And always pray that your lives reflect the wisdom and love of Jesus Christ.
- The Gospel – The gospel is God’s plan to save humanity from sin and its consequences through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and shed His blood for all.
- What is the Gospel? – The gospel was proclaimed by the prophets, lived by Jesus Christ, preached by the apostles, and spread through all the world. What is such good news?
- The Smallest Flicker of Light Conquers Darkness – As the smallest flicker of light conquers darkness, even the smallest flicker of spiritual light always conquers spiritual darkness.