Matthew 7 6 is a powerful and often misunderstood verse in the Bible. It reads:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He provides teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. In this particular verse, Jesus gives a profound warning about how we should share wisdom and knowledge. It can be difficult to grasp at first, but when examined closely, Matthew 7 6 offers a powerful lesson on discernment, protection, and the sacredness of wisdom.
The Context of Matthew 7 6 – Setting the Scene
To understand Matthew 7 6 fully, we need to consider its context within the larger framework of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most important teachings of Jesus.
The Sermon on the Mount: A Broader Context
The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings from Jesus that covers a wide range of moral and spiritual issues. It starts in Matthew 5 and continues through Matthew 7, including topics like:
- The Beatitudes: Jesus’ blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and the peacemakers (Matthew 5:3-12).
- Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus explaining that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20).
- Loving Your Enemies: Jesus teaching His followers to love and pray for their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).
- Judging Others: The teachings in Matthew 7:1-5, where Jesus warns against hypocrisy in judgment and encourages self-reflection before judging others.
- The Golden Rule: A call to treat others as you would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
Matthew 7 6 appears within a series of teachings where Jesus urges His followers to practice discernment, wisdom, and kindness in their dealings with others. In particular, it follows His teaching about judgment and the importance of not being hypocritical. After urging His followers not to judge others unjustly, Jesus turns to the importance of knowing when and where to share spiritual wisdom.
What Does “Do Not Give Dogs What is Sacred” Mean?
The verse starts with a command, “Do not give dogs what is sacred.” But what exactly does Jesus mean by “dogs,” and what is the “sacred” that He refers to?
Understanding the Metaphor of Dogs
In the ancient Jewish world, dogs were not the beloved pets we often think of today. They were seen as unclean, wild animals that roamed the streets, scavenging for food. Dogs were often associated with impurity and were not kept as domesticated companions in Jewish culture.
By calling people “dogs,” Jesus is using a strong metaphor for individuals who are spiritually unclean or unappreciative of sacred things. In this case, the “sacred” refers to the precious truths of God, His teachings, or the gospel message.
The Sacred Things of God
In this context, the “sacred” refers to the truths and wisdom of God, especially the gospel message. These are not trivial pieces of information or opinions, but the very teachings of life, love, and salvation that have eternal significance. Jesus warns His followers not to share these truths with those who are unwilling or hostile toward them.
- Sacred Knowledge: The teachings of Jesus, the gospel, and spiritual truths are valuable, pure, and meant to lead people into a closer relationship with God.
- Don’t Waste What is Holy: Jesus is emphasizing that such precious teachings should not be casually thrown around to those who won’t understand or appreciate them.
The Consequence of Sharing With the Wrong People
When you share something sacred with someone who isn’t ready or willing to receive it, you risk having it disrespected, ignored, or even misused. Just as dogs might not understand the value of sacred things, people who are spiritually unreceptive may not respect or appreciate the wisdom you are offering.
What Does “Do Not Throw Your Pearls to Pigs” Mean?
The next part of the verse says, “Do not throw your pearls to pigs.” To understand this metaphor, we need to unpack both the “pearls” and “pigs” in Jesus’ analogy.
Understanding the Metaphor of Pearls
Pearls, in the ancient world, were symbols of great value and beauty. In fact, pearls were so precious that they were considered among the most expensive and sought-after treasures. The “pearls” that Jesus refers to are the valuable truths or teachings of the kingdom of God. These pearls represent the wisdom of the gospel, the understanding of divine love, and the call to follow God’s ways.
The Symbolism of Pigs
Just as dogs were considered unclean, pigs were also viewed as unclean animals in Jewish culture. Pigs were considered impure by Jewish law, making them an appropriate metaphor for people who are spiritually unaware, resistant, or antagonistic to the gospel.
Pigs, by nature, are creatures who wallow in the mud, seemingly indifferent to anything clean or pure. This is how Jesus describes those who are spiritually unclean and hostile toward sacred teachings.
What Happens When Pearls Are Thrown to Pigs?
When pearls are thrown before pigs, they are essentially wasted. Pigs won’t recognize the value of pearls and will trample them underfoot. In the same way, people who are hostile or indifferent to the gospel may not only fail to appreciate its worth but could also reject it outright, or even mock it.
- Spiritual Insensitivity: Pigs, in this analogy, symbolize people who are spiritually blind to the value of the gospel. They cannot comprehend the worth of the wisdom you are sharing.
- Trampling and Harm: Not only will they fail to understand or value the message, but in some cases, they may turn against you, causing harm or ridicule.
The Consequences: Trampling and Tearing
Jesus finishes Matthew 7 6 with a stark warning: “If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Trampling Underfoot
When people reject the gospel or sacred teachings, it’s like trampling something valuable under their feet. This is a metaphor for spiritual disrespect. The pearls of divine wisdom are not appreciated or cherished, and they are instead disregarded or even mocked.
Turning and Tearing
More seriously, Jesus warns that some people may not just reject the wisdom but may also turn against you and harm you. This could take the form of mockery, persecution, or even physical or emotional harm in some situations. In the first century, those who followed Jesus often faced rejection and hostility, and this verse serves as a caution for believers to recognize the danger of sharing with those who are openly hostile.
How to Apply Matthew 7:6 Today
Matthew 7 6 is incredibly relevant in today’s world. As Christians, we are called to share the message of the gospel, but we are also called to be wise in how and when we share it. Here are a few practical ways to apply this lesson:
1. Practice Discernment in Sharing the Gospel
- Know When to Share: Not everyone is ready to hear the gospel. Use wisdom and prayer to discern when someone is genuinely open to listening and when it may be fruitless to engage.
- Avoid Forcing Conversations: Don’t feel the need to force spiritual conversations with people who are resistant. If they aren’t receptive, it’s okay to move on and pray for them from a distance.
2. Protect Your Spiritual Well-being
- Guard Against Hostility: Repeatedly engaging with hostile or unreceptive individuals can lead to emotional and spiritual harm. Recognize when your efforts are no longer productive and protect your peace.
- Seek Opportunities to Share with Open Hearts: Focus your energy on those who are open, interested, and ready to hear the message. These are the “fertile soils” for spiritual growth.
3. Love Without Overextending
- Love Everyone, But Use Wisdom: Jesus calls us to love everyone, even those who reject us, but this does not mean that we need to constantly share our deepest wisdom with those who are not ready. There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of Matthew 7 6
Matthew 7 6 is a call to discernment, wisdom, and protection. While we are commanded to share the gospel, we must also be mindful of when to share it and with whom. Jesus warns against offering sacred teachings to those who will only trample on them or turn hostile. By practicing discernment and seeking receptive hearts, we can ensure that our efforts to share the gospel are meaningful, impactful, and respectful of the wisdom we carry.
Further Reading and Resources
- The Bible Project: For a deeper dive into the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and the context of Matthew 7.
The Bible Project - Enduring Word Commentary: An in-depth commentary on Matthew 7:6 and related verses.
Enduring Word - Got Questions?: Provides answers and insights on difficult Bible passages, including Matthew 7:6.
Got Questions - Blue Letter Bible: Explore various translations and commentaries on Matthew 7:6.
Blue Letter Bible