By Mike Riley

After condemning those who would find fault in judging others, not seeing their own faults (Matthew 7:1-5), our Lord said:

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).

Evaluating some folks as “dogs” or “hogs,” necessarily requires making a judgment about a person’s character and heart. Some kinds of judgment are entirely necessary (John 7:24).

The terms, “give” and “cast” in Matthew 7:6, are consistent with the respective figures of “dogs” and “swine.” Dogs could not tell the differences in meats offered on the altar (Exodus 29:31-37) and meats that were not offered. If the Jews had taken a part of the sacrifice that was holy and given it to a dog, he would have had no appreciation for its holiness. If you give a piece of meat to an old hound dog, he’ll swallow it with one gulp without any discrimination regarding sacredness.

Furthermore, It is neither proper nor reasonable to cast pearls before swine, because they cannot differentiate value or appreciate beauty. Exquisite white pearls would simply be trampled into the filth of the pigpen, while the pigs would look for what satisfied their bellies. Then, being disappointed because their physical appetite was not fulfilled, they would turn against the one who offered something of far greater value than food.

There is danger in giving people what is holy, when all they want is the sensual (Jude 1:18-19). Jesus’ charge to His disciples simply means that we should not waste the precious words of Christ on those who are unfit and unworthy of priceless spiritual treasures. Not only are they unappreciative of eternal valuables, you will suffer the consequences of their resentment and abuse (Acts 7:51-60; Acts 13:44-45; cf. 1 Peter 4:4; Jude 1:10).

Evaluating a person as a “dog” or a “hog,” can be an excuse for our indifference to necessary instruction. We should never look down on others as though we are “holier than thou” (cf. Matthew 9:11; Luke 18:11; Jude 1:19). It is only after great patience has been exercised, and a hardened heart evidenced, that we should conclude a person to be unworthy of our efforts (cf. Matthew 10:14; Acts 13:46; Acts 13:51).

We should always remember that our judgments are not always God’s judgments (cf. Matthew 7:1; Romans 14:3; 1 Corinthians 4:3-4; James 4:11). However, since time is a valuable commodity (Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5; James 4:14), we need to be discriminating in our teaching.

Some make it evident that they care not about holy things at all (Acts 7:57). They think that spiritual presentations are foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18). Lovers of sin resent the reproving of their behavior (Matthew 14:1-11; Acts 7:51-60). While it is true that we should exercise the greatest degree of patience in dealing with the weak and ignorant (1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 15:1; Hebrews 5:1-2), when the weak prefer weakness and will not apply their minds to acquire critical knowledge, a time comes for dealing with them more firmly.

If they are treating holy things as common, Jesus basically says, “Don’t waste the Word on them” (Matthew 10:14; Acts 13:51). Our effort would be better spent with souls that are thirsting for the “water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

The Proverb writer tells us:

“Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser. Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:8-9).