What does Matthew 7:6 mean?

Matthew 7:6, a verse from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, reads: "Do not give what is holy to dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces" (NKJV). This verse, in its metaphorical richness, offers profound wisdom about discernment and the value of sacred teachings. To fully understand its meaning, we must examine the context, the metaphors used, and the broader biblical principles it reflects.

Context of Matthew 7:6

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is one of Jesus' most comprehensive teachings on the principles of the Kingdom of God. It addresses various aspects of righteous living, including attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. Matthew 7:6 comes immediately after Jesus' instruction on judgment: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1, NKJV). He warns against hypocritical judgment and encourages self-examination before criticizing others.

Understanding the Metaphors

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus uses vivid imagery to convey his message. The "holy" and "pearls" represent the precious and sacred teachings of the Kingdom of God. The "dogs" and "swine" symbolize those who are hostile or indifferent to these spiritual truths.

Dogs

In the cultural context of Jesus' time, dogs were not the domesticated pets we are familiar with today. They were often seen as wild, scavenging animals. In biblical literature, dogs frequently represent uncleanness and are sometimes used to describe people who are impure or morally corrupt (Philippians 3:2, Revelation 22:15).

Swine

Similarly, pigs were considered unclean animals according to Jewish dietary laws (Leviticus 11:7). To a Jewish audience, the image of swine would evoke thoughts of impurity and defilement. Swine, in this metaphor, represent those who are unable or unwilling to appreciate the value of spiritual truths.

The Principle of Discernment

The essence of Matthew 7:6 is the principle of discernment. Jesus is teaching his followers to be wise and discerning about how and to whom they present the gospel and sacred teachings. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive and appreciate the truths of the Kingdom of God.

Avoiding Futile Efforts

Jesus is not advocating for judgmentalism or exclusivity but rather for practical wisdom. Just as it would be futile to give sacred offerings to dogs or cast valuable pearls before pigs, it is often unproductive to share deep spiritual truths with those who are hostile or dismissive. This does not mean we should withhold the gospel from anyone, but rather that we should be mindful of the receptivity of our audience.

Protecting the Sacred

Another layer of this teaching is about protecting what is sacred. The gospel and the teachings of Jesus are precious and should be treated with reverence. When we share these truths indiscriminately with those who scorn or ridicule them, we risk subjecting the sacred to contempt and abuse.

Biblical Examples of Discernment

The principle of discernment is echoed throughout the Bible. In Acts 13:44-51, Paul and Barnabas experience rejection from the Jews in Antioch and turn to the Gentiles, recognizing that their message was not being received. Jesus Himself practiced discernment in His ministry, often speaking in parables to reveal truths to those who were spiritually receptive while concealing them from those who were not (Matthew 13:10-17).

Balancing Discernment and Evangelism

While discernment is crucial, it must be balanced with the call to evangelism. Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19, NIV). This means we are to share the gospel widely and generously. However, when we encounter persistent hostility or indifference, it may be wise to redirect our efforts to more receptive audiences, as Jesus instructed His disciples: "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet" (Matthew 10:14, NKJV).

Practical Application for Today

Applying Matthew 7:6 in our contemporary context involves several considerations:

Knowing Your Audience

Understanding the spiritual readiness of our audience is key. This requires prayer, discernment, and sometimes trial and error. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in our interactions with others.

Respect for Sacred Teachings

We should approach the sharing of the gospel with reverence and respect for its sacredness. This means being thoughtful about how we present it and to whom, ensuring that we do not subject it to unnecessary ridicule or contempt.

Perseverance and Patience

While discernment is important, so is perseverance. Some individuals may initially reject or mock the gospel but later become receptive. We must not give up easily but continue to pray and look for opportunities to share the love of Christ.

Wisdom in Witnessing

In our efforts to witness, we should seek wisdom from God. James 1:5 promises that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This wisdom will help us navigate the complexities of sharing our faith in a way that honors God and respects the sacredness of His message.

Conclusion

Matthew 7:6 is a call to discernment and wisdom in how we handle the sacred truths of the Kingdom of God. It reminds us that while the gospel is for everyone, not everyone is ready or willing to receive it. By being discerning, we protect the sacredness of the gospel and ensure that our efforts are directed towards those who are open and receptive. This balance of discernment and evangelism is essential for effective ministry and faithful stewardship of the precious truths entrusted to us by Christ.