“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)
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”– Matthew 7:6 (NLT)
“Don’t be so naïve. Make sure you’re not throwing pearls to pigs. They will stomp all over them, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”– Matthew 7:6 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 7:6 Mean?
This scripture teaches us something profound about wisdom and discernment. When we think about giving something precious to those who cannot appreciate it, we may feel a sense of loss. God is asking us not to waste our valuable gifts, just like we wouldn’t throw beautiful pearls to animals that can’t benefit from them. It reflects a call to be mindful of our surroundings and the character of those we are engaging with.
At times, we might find ourselves dealing with people who do not respect our values or beliefs. It is wise to be cautious about sharing our deepest thoughts, hopes, and dreams. This does not imply that we should not spread goodness or try to help others, but it suggests being aware of how and when we do so. When we invest our time and love into conversations, it should be with those who will appreciate and uplift that message.
Matthew 7:6 Explanation and Commentary
When we read Matthew 7:6, we might find it a little challenging at first. Why would Jesus use such striking imagery of dogs and swine? In biblical times, both dogs and pigs were seen as unclean animals. Dogs were often stray scavengers, and pigs were forbidden food for the Jewish people. By using these metaphorical animals, Jesus is making a powerful statement about the importance of our words and actions.
This verse encourages us to reflect on who we choose to share our wisdom or experiences with. In relationships where our thoughts and efforts are disregarded, we may end up feeling hurt or betrayed. Therefore, it’s necessary to choose wisely whom we share our heart with. Our words and insights are immeasurable treasures, much like pearls. We need to guard them, ensuring they are shared in appropriate settings.
Jesus was also warning against the folly of trying to convince someone who is closed off or hostile to our beliefs. We can think of our mission as Christians: we want everyone to experience God’s love and grace! However, we must also recognize that not everyone is receptive to our message. Instead of getting frustrated, we should focus on nurturing relationships with those eager and willing to learn. There are many opportunities to share the gospel; thus, we must not squander the profound moments that may come our way.
In verse 7, which follows, Jesus speaks of asking, seeking, and knocking. It emphasizes God’s generous nature. We should be diligent in prayer and supplication, seeking the people who genuinely want to know more about the gospel. Our goal is to show love and compassion, but we must do so to those who are ready to accept it. In a way, this gives us a balance of being wise in our approach while still being open to share our truths.
Context of Matthew 7:6
To truly understand Matthew 7:6, we need to appreciate its place within the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon is one of Jesus’ most significant teachings and covers numerous topics about life, morality, and relationships. It is found in chapters 5 through 7 of the Gospel of Matthew.
In the preceding verses, Jesus discusses the importance of judging others. He asks us to consider the log in our own eye before focusing on the speck in another’s. It’s essential to remember that while we are called to have discernment, we are also held responsible for our actions and attitudes. When reading Matthew 7 in its entirety, Jesus’ points stress the importance of love, compassion, and wise relationships.
Matthew 7:6 acts as a transition, warning us about the consequences of indiscrimination in sharing our beliefs or deep insights. Jesus is guiding his listeners to practice wisdom in all areas of life, from moral choices to interpersonal connections. The Sermon’s context reinforces the essential notion that discipleship requires discernment, not just blind acceptance.
Additionally, looking back to the Old Testament, Proverbs 9:7 advises against rebuking mockers, for they will only hate us for it. The wisdom shared in Proverbs echoes the message of Jesus, encouraging us not to force our beliefs on those unwilling to listen.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 7:6
When we dissect Matthew 7:6, we see several layers in its meaning and implications. The metaphor of not casting pearls before swine draws our attention. Pearls are precious stones, often associated with wisdom. Here, they symbolize the treasure of knowledge and understanding we have gained.
The term ‘dogs’ references individuals who, similar to wild dogs, do not possess the understanding or appreciation for what is being offered to them. When Jesus mentions ‘swine,’ he points to people who do not recognize the value of spiritual riches. Such a vivid image allows us to visualize the helplessness of giving something valuable to those who will not cherish it.
Furthermore, the phrase “lest they trample them under their feet” enriches the metaphor, demonstrating that what we value can be easily disrespected by those who do not understand its worth. Animals may consume things without discerning their worth, just as some people do in the realm of spiritual matters.
Conversely, “turn again and rend you” signifies the aftermath of such careless exchanges. Investing energy in individuals who dismiss our truths can leave us feeling wounded. There’s an important lesson here; not everyone will receive our kindness and wisdom. We may encounter negativity or even hostility in our attempts to share. Jesus provides this imagery to remind us to be selective and thoughtful about where we sow our energies.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 7:6
This verse teaches us vital lessons about discernment and protective boundaries. We must remember the significance of valuing our words and insights. Not everyone is ready to hear what we have to say, and that is okay. We embrace the challenge of helping others grow, but we must also safeguard our own hearts.
Firstly, we learn to appreciate the depth of our wisdom and experiences. Rather than scattering our thoughts aimlessly, we become mindful of who is receptive and genuine. This awareness will shape our approach in all relationships, whether they involve friends, family, or acquaintances.
Secondly, we gain the capacity to choose our battles wisely. Not every conversation needs to become an argument. It is crucial to recognize where we will have the most impact rather than wasting time and energy on those who choose to remain indifferent to the lessons we wish to convey.
Lastly, the importance of nurturing our spiritual connections with those who support and uplift us cannot be overstated. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who value and cherish our thoughts leads to growth for everyone involved. Finding a community of faith that encourages us to be better helps us thrive.
This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” In this supportive environment, we can exchange ideas freely without fear of rejection.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 7:6, we are reminded of our valuable gifts of wisdom, love, and insight. We need to exercise discernment in sharing these treasures. Recognizing the worth of our pearls and being mindful of where we sow them ensures that we invest wisely.
In every interaction, we should carry the understanding that our journey is intertwined with others, as we strive for growth and understanding in our faith. There are multiple opportunities to love, give, and share. Thus, we must choose paths that honor our spiritual journeys.
If you’re eager to explore more about building strong foundations in faith, you might check out Matthew 11 or delve into the stories from Genesis 18. We can find nuggets of wisdom across different passages in the Bible that guide our understanding of relationships and the importance of valuing our insights.
Continuing to grow in faith, we may find ourselves encouraged to protect our hearts while nurturing supportive connections within our communities. Let’s strive to be mindful of where we share the treasures that God has given us!