“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). In biblical times people had a different view of dogs and pigs than we have in our society. Therefore, to understand this interesting statement of Jesus, one must first see what the people of the first century thought of these animals, then we can make applications.
Dogs were seldom domesticated in biblical times like they are today. Usually, they roamed in packs and would attach individuals when they were provoked or hungry. Therefore, the Jews had a very negative view of them, A psalmist said about people, “For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me” (Psalm 22:16). This is Hebrew parallelism in which the word “dogs” is equal to “evildoers.” To call someone a “dog” was a tremendous insult. Goliath was insulted when David came to fight him with just a sling and he said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (I Samuel 17:43). When Shemei kicked dirt on King David Abishai came to his defense and called the kicker “a dead dog” (2 Samuel 16:9). The Jews called Gentile people “dogs” (Matthew 15:26-27). Paul even called false teachers “dogs” (Philippians 3:2).
In the Old Testament, probably for health reasons, God forbade His people from eating pork (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8). They were considered unclean animals. Not only would Jews not eat them, they did not even want to be around them. Often pigs roamed in the wild and would sometimes attack people. The Jewish attitude toward pigs makes Jesus’ story of the prodigal son even more graphic in that this Jewish boy had fallen on hard times in a foreign country so much so that he had gotten a job feeding pigs and was so hungry he would have been glad to eat what the pigs were eating but no one would give them to him (Luke 15:15-16).
In his commentary on this passage Sellers S. Crain points out that the phrase “what is holy” was a phrase used to describe the meat that was offered as a sacrifice to God (Exodus 29:33; Leviticus 2:3) and that no Jew would dare offer a dog a piece of that holy meat (Truth for Today Commentary Matthew 1-13, p.243). It is also easy to see that no one would take valuable pearls and throw them into a hog pen. The hogs would just trample them under their feet because the pigs did not see the value in pearls.
What Is the Application?
How are we to apply this message which Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount? What is that which is holy and has great value like pearls? To whom are we not to give that which is holy and precious and why should we not do it?
To help us properly apply this verse we must realize that this verse follows Jesus’ instruction about not judging or condemning others, especially when we have a bigger problem in our lives than the problems of the people we are condemning. So, our text must have something to do with making a judgment or a wise decision. The application also deals with giving something to someone. What are we to give that is holy, but are not to give it to those who do not appreciate it?
First, God’s Word is holy, and everyone needs to hear that word so that they can be saved. But, there are people who do not appreciate it and may even use it to attack us. Some of these people have so little regard for God and His word that we have no common ground from which to present God’s word. It is a waste of time. They are not ready to hear what it says. Something must happen in their lives to make them want to hear what God has said. I have taught hundreds of people in one-on-one study sessions but to the best of my knowledge I’ve only walked away from two of those studies. I walked away because something led me to believe that it was like casting pearls before swine. I thought long and hard about the situation before I walked away because of the seriousness of the situation. As was said, this verse follows a section of Scripture where God speaks about the seriousness of making the wrong judgment. It is true that God did not make us soil-testers, but sowers of the seed. But Jesus also taught that we are to judge people by the fruit one bears (Matthew 7:15-20). If one is constantly twisting and perverting Scripture, then one may have to decide that at this time this person is not ready to accept the Word of God therefore it is like casting pearls into a pig pen.
Second, sometimes there are topics that are very valuable and need to be discussed but troubling to some and to discuss that with them may do them damage. They may not be mature enough to handle the subject at that time. Each of us needs God’s guidance so that we may be wise enough to know when truth on some subjects will help or hurt an individual.
Third, Guy Orbison in Matthew 1-13 – Workshop in the Word notes gives an interesting idea as to an application of this text. He thinks the whole context is talking about “pretentiousness” with an attitude of “I am right – You are wrong” or an action that makes one look like he or she is more “holy” than others. Some of our actions may shine a light in the dark, but at other times people may view our actions as rubbing religion in their face which is like casting pearls (a religious action) before people who do not appreciate it. In that situation, the people of the world are like pigs who do not see our actions as sincere therefore what we think is a pearl is not seen by the world as valuable and our actions, to them, seem insincere. Therefore, they see our action as “pretentiousness” and are turned farther away from truth.
As an example of this, Orbison gives an illustration about praying in front of people who do not appreciate it. They see our praying as pretentiousness rather than as something valuable as a pearl.
Conclusion
Because Jesus made the statement quoted at the beginning of this article, it is an important truth which we must practice. Even though we may see the application applied in different situations, and may disagree with some of the views people may have about this passage, we must strive to know what He meant and then apply it in our lives. May we strive to apply this truth to the best of our ability.
Wayne Burger
