Matthew 7:6

Berean Standard Bible

Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

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Cast not your pearls before the swine, dear soul,

Nor sacred truth to those who scorn its light.

Their hearts, unyielding, trample grace’s goal,

Guard wisdom’s treasure, keep it pure and bright.

The dogs may turn, with snarls to rend and tear,

The holy gifts you offer in good faith.

Discern with care, let love guide what you share,

Lest truth be lost to those who mock its path.

Hold fast the pearls, yet seek the Spirit’s lead,

To sow where hearts are open to receive.

With gentle grace, plant truth as holy seed,

And trust God’s time to make the barren live.

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The verse Matthew 7:6, “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,” stands as a striking and enigmatic teaching within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, offering guidance on discernment in sharing sacred truths. Following the teaching on judgment and the speck-and-log analogy, this verse shifts focus to the responsible stewardship of holy things, urging believers to exercise wisdom in how they share the treasures of God’s kingdom. The imagery of dogs, pigs, pearls, and holy things is vivid and provocative, inviting careful reflection on its meaning. To fully grasp the depth of this verse, we must explore its context within the Sermon, its theological significance, and its practical implications for living as faithful disciples in a complex world.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlines the character and conduct of those who belong to the kingdom of God, emphasizing a righteousness that flows from a transformed heart. The preceding verses address the dangers of hypocritical judgment, calling for humility and self-examination before correcting others. Matthew 7:6, at first glance, seems to pivot to a different concern, yet it remains connected to the theme of discernment in relationships. After warning against judging others pridefully, Jesus now addresses the opposite extreme: the indiscriminate sharing of sacred truths with those who are unreceptive or hostile. The verse does not negate the call to humility but complements it, teaching that love and wisdom must work together in how believers engage with others. The context suggests that Jesus is addressing the community of faith, particularly those entrusted with sharing the gospel and the truths of the kingdom.

The imagery in the verse is rich and layered. The term “what is holy” likely refers to the sacred things of God—His teachings, the gospel, or the spiritual truths entrusted to His people. In the Jewish context, “holy” things were set apart for God, such as offerings or sacred rites, and were not to be treated lightly. The “pearls” evoke something of great value, symbolizing the precious truths of the kingdom, perhaps even the gospel itself, which Jesus describes elsewhere as a pearl of great price. In contrast, “dogs” and “pigs” were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture, often associated with impurity or hostility. Here, they represent those who are actively unreceptive or antagonistic to God’s truth, not merely unbelievers but those who scorn or reject it with contempt. The warning that such individuals might “trample” the pearls or “turn to attack” suggests a dual danger: the desecration of sacred truths and harm to the one who shares them.

Theologically, Matthew 7:6 underscores the principle of stewardship in the kingdom of God. The truths of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus are not mere information but treasures of eternal value, entrusted to believers to share wisely. This verse does not advocate for secrecy or elitism but for discernment, recognizing that not all are ready to receive the gospel at any given time. It reflects the reality of human freedom and the varied responses to God’s truth—some receive it with open hearts, while others reject it with hostility. The verse also points to God’s holiness, which demands that His sacred gifts be treated with reverence. To cast pearls before those who will trample them is to cheapen the gospel, diminishing its value and exposing it to mockery. Yet, the call to discernment is balanced by the broader mission of the kingdom, which is to proclaim the gospel to all, trusting the Spirit to prepare hearts to receive it.

For Jesus’ first-century audience, this teaching would have carried significant weight. In a religious culture where the Law and traditions were fiercely debated, the idea of guarding sacred truths would resonate deeply. The Jewish people were accustomed to protecting holy things—such as the temple or sacred rituals—from defilement. Jesus applies this principle to the spiritual realm, urging his disciples to be wise in how they share the revolutionary truths of the kingdom. The reference to dogs and pigs would have been particularly striking, evoking images of impurity and hostility, perhaps alluding to those who actively opposed Jesus’ message, such as certain religious leaders or those hardened against the gospel. The teaching would have challenged the disciples to balance their call to proclaim the kingdom with the need for wisdom in the face of rejection or persecution.

In a modern context, Matthew 7:6 remains profoundly relevant, though its application requires careful nuance. The world today is marked by diverse responses to the gospel—some embrace it, others ignore it, and some actively oppose it with scorn or hostility. The temptation for believers is either to withhold the gospel out of fear or to share it indiscriminately without regard for readiness or receptivity. Jesus’ teaching calls for a middle path: discernment guided by love. The verse does not justify withholding the gospel from those who seem unworthy, as the kingdom is for all who will receive it. Instead, it warns against casting sacred truths before those who consistently reject or mock them, risking both the desecration of the gospel and harm to the sharer. This is particularly poignant in an age of polarized debates, where sharing faith can invite ridicule or hostility, especially in public forums or online spaces.

Practically, this verse calls believers to exercise wisdom in sharing their faith and the truths of God’s kingdom. Discernment begins with prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know when and how to share the gospel. It involves listening to others, understanding their openness or resistance, and tailoring one’s approach with sensitivity. This does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or shying away from proclaiming truth, but it means recognizing when a heart is hardened and choosing to wait for a more opportune time, trusting God to work in His timing. For example, sharing the gospel with someone who is openly hostile may require patience, perhaps focusing on living out Christ’s love through actions before words. In other cases, it may mean redirecting efforts to those who are receptive, while continuing to pray for those who are not.

The communal implications of this teaching are significant. The church is called to be a community that stewards the gospel wisely, proclaiming it boldly yet with discernment. This involves teaching new believers the value of God’s truth, equipping them to share it with wisdom, and fostering environments where questions and doubts can be expressed without fear of judgment. It also means supporting one another in the face of rejection or hostility, encouraging perseverance while trusting God’s Spirit to prepare hearts. The church’s witness is strengthened when believers model both the boldness of sharing the gospel and the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when to wait, reflecting the balance of love and discernment that Jesus teaches.

Ultimately, Matthew 7:6 is a call to faithful stewardship of the gospel. It reminds believers that the truths of the kingdom are precious, to be shared with reverence and wisdom. It challenges them to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, to balance boldness with discernment, and to trust God’s timing in the proclamation of His truth. By living out this principle, believers honor the holiness of God’s gifts, protect the gospel from being cheapened, and engage the world with a love that seeks to draw all to Christ. This verse is not a call to exclusivity but to wisdom, ensuring that the pearls of God’s kingdom are shared in a way that glorifies Him and advances His redemptive purposes.

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Grace and peace to you, beloved saints, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, whose gospel is a treasure of infinite worth and whose Spirit guides us in wisdom and love. I write to you, not with the fleeting wisdom of this age, but with the truth of the Savior, whose words call us to steward His gifts with discernment and to proclaim His kingdom with bold yet humble hearts. My soul is stirred by the Spirit to exhort you with the words of Jesus, spoken in the Sermon on the Mount, where He declares, “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.” This teaching, vivid and piercing, summons us to guard the sacred truths of God’s kingdom with wisdom, to share them with love, and to trust in the Spirit’s guidance. May you hear this call and be transformed, that your lives may shine as a testimony to the God who entrusts us with His precious gospel.

Consider, dear brothers and sisters, the weight of this divine instruction. With striking imagery, Jesus paints a picture of holy things and pearls—treasures of God’s kingdom, the gospel of grace, the truths of His reign—cast before dogs and pigs, creatures that in His day symbolized impurity and hostility. These are not mere unbelievers but those who scorn and reject the sacred with contempt, trampling it underfoot and turning to harm the giver. Jesus does not forbid us from sharing the gospel, for His kingdom is open to all who will receive it, but He calls us to discernment, to steward His truth with care, lest it be desecrated or we be harmed by those who oppose it. This is no call to secrecy or pride, but to wisdom, a reminder that the gospel is a pearl of great price, to be shared with reverence and guided by the Spirit’s leading.

Theologically, this verse unveils the holiness of God’s truth and the responsibility of those entrusted with it. The gospel is not a common thing but a sacred gift, purchased by the blood of Christ, who gave Himself to reconcile us to God. To cast it before those who mock or reject it is to risk cheapening its value, diminishing the glory of what God has done. Yet this discernment is not rooted in judgmentalism but in love, for the kingdom is for all who will receive it, and our call is to proclaim it boldly. The warning of trampling and attack reflects the reality of a world where not all hearts are open, where some respond to grace with hostility. This does not diminish our mission but refines it, urging us to rely on the Holy Spirit, who prepares hearts and guides us in when and how to share. God’s sovereignty ensures that His truth will not return void, but He calls us to steward it wisely, trusting His timing and His work in every soul.

For Jesus’ first audience, this teaching would have resonated deeply. In a culture where sacred things—temple rites, the Law, God’s covenant—were guarded from defilement, Jesus’ imagery of dogs and pigs would have struck a chord. The disciples, entrusted with the revolutionary message of the kingdom, faced varied responses: some embraced it, others ignored it, and some opposed it with hostility. Jesus’ words prepared them for the reality of rejection, urging them to share the gospel with wisdom, not withholding it from the humble but guarding it from those who would scorn it. This was not a call to exclude but to discern, to balance boldness with sensitivity in a world where opposition could lead to persecution. The teaching would have equipped them to navigate their mission with care, trusting God to open hearts in His time.

In our world today, the relevance of this teaching is undeniable. We live in an age of instant communication, where sharing faith can reach countless souls but also invite scorn or hostility. Social media, public forums, and personal interactions amplify the temptation to cast pearls indiscriminately, whether out of zeal or fear of withholding truth. Yet Jesus’ words call us to a wiser path. We are not to shrink from proclaiming the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, but we are to do so with discernment, guided by love and the Spirit’s leading. In a culture quick to mock or dismiss faith, we must weigh when to speak, how to speak, and when to wait, trusting God to prepare hearts. This is not cowardice but stewardship, ensuring that the gospel is shared in a way that honors its sacredness.

Practically, this teaching calls us to a life of prayerful discernment. Before sharing the truths of the kingdom, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, asking for wisdom to know when a heart is open and when it is hardened. Listen to those you engage with, understanding their receptivity, and tailor your approach with sensitivity. This might mean sharing the gospel through actions before words, living out Christ’s love in a way that softens hearts over time. In other cases, it might mean redirecting your efforts to those who are ready to receive, while praying for those who are not. In conversations with family, friends, or strangers, choose words that reflect the gospel’s value, avoiding arguments that lead to strife. Trust that God is at work, even in hearts that seem closed, and that your role is to sow faithfully, not to force a harvest.

The church, beloved, is called to be a community that stewards the gospel with wisdom and love. Equip one another to share the faith boldly yet discerningly, teaching new believers the value of God’s truth and the importance of sharing it with care. Foster environments where questions and doubts can be expressed without fear, where the gospel is proclaimed with clarity and love. Support those who face rejection or hostility, encouraging them to persevere while trusting God’s timing. Let your churches be places where the pearls of the kingdom are cherished, where believers are trained to share them wisely, and where the gospel’s beauty draws others to Christ. Your witness is not in reckless zeal but in the balance of boldness and discernment, showing a world quick to scorn that there is a God who loves and redeems.

I am mindful of the challenges you face. Some of you share your faith in contexts where mockery or hostility is the response, where the gospel is trampled underfoot. Others wrestle with the fear of withholding truth, wondering how to balance discernment with boldness. Yet take heart, for the God who entrusts you with His pearls is the same God who works in every heart. Lean into His Spirit, who gives wisdom without measure and courage without fail. Trust that He is at work, even in the hardest situations, preparing hearts for the gospel. Let your lives be a testimony to the gospel’s worth, showing a world that rejects it that there is a Savior who loves, a God who saves, and a kingdom where grace abounds.

As I close, my prayer is that you would know the wisdom of stewarding God’s truth with care, sharing it with love, and trusting His Spirit to guide you. May you proclaim the gospel boldly, discern wisely, and reflect the beauty of Christ’s kingdom. To Him who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine, to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, now and forever. Amen.

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O God of infinite holiness and boundless grace, whose truth is a treasure beyond measure and whose love draws all to Your kingdom, we come before Your throne in reverent awe, humbled by Your majesty and transformed by Your mercy. You are the One who has entrusted us with the sacred gospel, the pearl of great price purchased by the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who calls us to steward His truth with wisdom. In His words, You have spoken a truth that guides our path, declaring, “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.” In the light of this divine counsel, we pour out our souls in prayer, seeking Your Spirit’s guidance to share Your truth with discernment, to guard its sanctity, and to proclaim Your kingdom with love that reflects Your heart.

Forgive us, O Father, for the times we have been careless with Your sacred gifts, casting the pearls of Your gospel before those who scorn it or sharing what is holy without discernment. We confess that we have sometimes spoken without seeking Your guidance, presuming to know when and how to share Your truth, and in doing so, we have risked its desecration or invited harm. Our zeal, though well-intentioned, has sometimes lacked wisdom, and our silence, though cautious, has sometimes stemmed from fear. Cleanse us, we pray, from the folly of indiscriminate sharing and the timidity that withholds Your truth from those who might receive it. By Your Spirit, grant us the wisdom to discern, the courage to proclaim, and the love to steward Your gospel with reverence, that it may shine forth as a light in the darkness.

We praise You, Lord, for the holiness of Your truth, a treasure entrusted to Your people, not to be hoarded but to be shared with care. Your gospel is no common thing but a sacred gift, the message of Christ’s death and resurrection, which reconciles sinners to You and opens the way to Your kingdom. You have called us to proclaim it to all, yet with wisdom, knowing that not every heart is ready to receive, that some may trample it with contempt or turn against us in hostility. Your kingdom is a realm of grace, open to all who will come, yet it demands reverence, for it is holy, set apart, and precious. Grant us, by Your mercy, the discernment to know when to speak and when to wait, to sow Your truth where hearts are open, and to trust Your Spirit to prepare the ground where hardness remains.

In this moment, we bring before You the challenges of sharing Your gospel in a world of varied responses. Some receive it with joy, others ignore it, and some reject it with scorn. We pray for those who proclaim Your truth in hostile places, facing mockery or opposition. Strengthen them with Your Spirit, that they may speak with boldness yet discern when to hold back, trusting Your timing. For those who hesitate to share, fearing rejection or harm, grant courage to proclaim Your gospel with love, knowing that it is Your power unto salvation. Help us to listen to those we engage, to see their hearts through Your eyes, and to share Your truth with sensitivity, that it may take root and bear fruit. Let our words and actions reflect the holiness of Your gospel, honoring its worth in every encounter.

We pray for Your church, the body of Christ, called to be a steward of Your sacred truth. Unite us in our mission to proclaim Your kingdom, equipping us to share the gospel with wisdom and love. Raise up among us those who model discernment, who know when to speak boldly and when to wait patiently, trusting Your Spirit to work. Let our churches be places where the pearls of Your truth are cherished, where new believers are taught to share it with care, and where questions and doubts are met with grace. May our witness be a beacon to the world, showing that Your gospel is a treasure worth seeking, a truth that transforms, and a hope that endures. Empower us to support one another in the face of rejection, to pray for those who scorn, and to persevere in sharing Your love.

O Father, we long for the day when Your kingdom will come in fullness, when every heart will bow before Your truth, when Your gospel will be received by all nations. Until that day, sustain us by Your Spirit. Fill us with the wisdom to steward Your truth with reverence, the boldness to proclaim it with love, and the faith to trust Your work in every heart. Let our lives proclaim the beauty of Your kingdom, showing a world that rejects or tramples Your truth that there is a Savior who loves, a God who redeems, and a gospel that brings life. We ask all this in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, who taught us to share with discernment, who gave Himself for us, and who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.