Casting Pearls before the Swine
Matthew 7:6
As I began to consider the words of our Lord in our text, I was reminded of His holiness. As we consider Christ the Lord, many attributes come to mind, but His holiness has to rank at the top of the list. His very essence is comprised of holiness. All that He is, all that He has done, continues to do, and will perform in the future are consistent with His holiness. If one looks at Christ apart from His holiness, they have missed the essence of who He is. Christ cannot be separated from His holiness.
We have read a controversial passage for many in our day. You will have to admit that the words of our Lord here are not “politically correct.” In fact they stand in distinct contrast to the teachings of many today. As we consider what our Lord has said, we must keep His holiness in mind. The holiness of Christ demands a righteous standard that this world knows little of. We live in a day where anything goes, and that attitude has even found its way into the church. If we are to live as Christ would have us to, we must be aware of His holiness and promote His righteous standard in every aspect of life.
I know that we are called to be salt and light in this dark and sinful world. We are to share the gospel with those who have not heard. However, we must use wisdom and discretion as we serve the Lord among the world. I want to consider the principles our Lord presents as we think on: Casting Pearls before the Swine.
I. The Presentation of this Truth (6) – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Notice:
A. The Discernment – As we begin to consider what our Lord has presented, we must understand that He is dealing with our witness and conversation within the world. He is referring to how we view, respect and guard that which we have received of Him. He came into this world to provide redemption for mankind. He preached a message that was radically different than what the Scribes and Pharisees taught. He is providing instruction for our interaction with unbelievers.
We must understand the great spiritual application that is given. There could be application for being good stewards of our possessions, but if that is all we see in these words, we have missed the fundamental truth our Lord has taught. This passage deals with how we regard and share the glorious gospel.
B. The Desirables – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Jesus speaks of pearls and that which is holy, things of great value. The pearls Jesus spoke of have application for a genuine pearl. Even in that day, pearls were highly valued. They also speak of “proverbs, words of great value.” Jesus is referring to the gospel message, the Word of the Lord, and even our holy character and righteous standard.
Of all things, these should be the most valuable to the believer. We ought to value the gospel message, God’s infallible Word, and our relationship with Christ. Most people guard and protect the things that are valuable. The believer must guard and protect those things that are given of the Lord. As we considered a few weeks ago, these are the only ones that will last. The blessings of the Lord and our relationship to Him are the most valuable possessions we own.
C. The Defiled – We are not to give that which is holy unto the dogs, or cast our pearls before the swine. Jesus presents a sharp contrast. He has contrasted the most prized possessions with the most defiled. Dogs in that day were not regarded as they are today. They were not domesticated and kept as house pets. With the exception of those that were trained to herd and guard sheep, dogs were considered unclean, dirty, defiled animals. The average Jew had no use for a dog. In fact, the term was often used to describe men of impure mind and motives. Swine were unclean and considered the vilest of all animals. The Jews regarded swine less than a dog.
These represent the most defiled of humanity. I know that all are born in sin, defiled due to their sin, and condemned of God. We cannot “lump” all lost people into this category, but many are so depraved that they have lost all regard for anything holy. They despise the Word of God and the very mention of Jesus. They have shunned the pleading of the Spirit so long that they have become reprobate, Rom.1: 21-31.
I know some who are lost and will readily admit that, but they are not unreceptive or unappreciative of those who share the gospel. These are not dogs, but those who remain blinded by sin. I have met some who appear to have rejected the mercies of God so long that it seems they have been turned over to a reprobate mind.
D. The Danger (6) – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. When one determines to give that which is holy to defiled men or pearls to the swine, they are in a dangerous position. The swine will simply trample upon that which is holy. There is no regard for the grace of God or the sacrifice our Lord made for their sin. Many today have tread upon the grace of God and counted it nothing. There is no benefit in casting holy things before those who have no regard for them and will only tread upon them.
These also present the danger of turning upon you and rending you. The word rend has the idea of “tearing in pieces or casting to the ground.” There is no regard for the Lord or those who seek to share His message. They would love nothing more than to tear you apart. They seek to embarrass and defile the testimony of true believers. They want to bring shame and scorn to you because of your faith. These are so defiled with sin that they have no respect for you or the Lord.
II. The Verification of this Truth – These words may be hard to receive, but they are truth. Jesus proclaimed them and that is enough for me, but for those who may need further verification, let’s consider a couple of aspects revealed in Scripture. First consider:
A. The Ministry of the Savior – Jesus came to this earth to provide Himself as the atoning sacrifice for humanity, providing redemption for all who believe. He was a friend to sinners, seeking out the sick, hurting, and lost. That does not indicate that Jesus cast that which was holy unto the dogs. He kept His teaching away from those who were so vile they would not receive it. He often spoke in parables, discerned only by those who genuinely had a desire to learn of Him. Mat.13:13 – Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [15] For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Consider the Transfiguration of our Lord. He took only Peter, James, and John upon the mountain with Him. That is not to say that the other disciples were dogs, but it does confirm that Jesus did not reveal His true glory before those who would not have received Him anyway. Christ refused to “perform” for Herod when he requested to see miracles during His trial. The vial and unbelieving did not experience His presence after the resurrection or witness His ascension. This great pearl was reserved for those who had trusted in Him as the Christ.
B. The Ministry of the Saints – Those who followed the Lord and shared the gospel followed this principle as well. Mat.10:14 – And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Acts 13:46 –Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 18:6 – And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he (Paul) shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Through the teaching of our Lord and these biblical examples we are exhorted to be cautious as we witness and live among this world. I am not saying that we are to keep the gospel to ourselves, but we must use wisdom and discernment as well.
III. The Obligation to this Truth – As we conclude our study, I want to remind us that we are not only obligated to guard our witness of the gospel, but also our testimony to that gospel. The testimony of believers is one of the most prized possessions we have. We must ensure that we don’t cast our testimony before the swine to be trampled on and defiled. Let’s take a moment to consider a few areas that we are obligated.
A. In Conversation – I am in no way advocating that we should not share our faith with all we can. We are called to be witnesses for the Lord. However, I have met some that were so vile and sinful that it would not be of benefit. Some will not receive your witness and the only thing you can do is pray for that individual. Arguing will do no good in reaching them for Christ.
We must also guard our testimony in conversation. We must not be guilty of casting our testimony before the swine by engaging in vain or vulgar talk. Once we have engaged in that type of conversation, we have forever lost our influence with those who desperately need to hear.
B. In Companionship – We must also watch the company we keep. I have emphasized many times that we must continue to be a witness to the lost, but the believer must not continually surround himself with unbelievers, engaging in their sinful activities. We are expected to maintain a holy standard, and that is nearly impossible if you are always around those who have no regard for the Lord. Most of the time, they will pull you down, rather than you lifting them up.
This also applies to our relationships, including marriage. If you are saved, it is dangerous to enter a relationship with an unbeliever or one who is on a different course doctrinally. If their view of Christ and salvation are not biblical, I would urge you to reconsider your commitment to the relationship. 2 Cor.6:14 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
C. In the Church – We must also be cautious of casting our pearls before swine among the church. I am not insinuating that our congregation is filled with dogs and hogs, but that we must guard the truths of God’s Word and continue to ensure that we edify and worship Him in all we do.
The truths of God’s Word will not appeal to all people. If our desire is to be “seeker friendly” and ensure that the teaching and preaching never offends anyone, we have already cast our pearls before the swine. I will not compromise this Word for the approval or acceptance of men! We are obligated to ensure that every aspect of this church is in accordance with God’s Word. If it doesn’t line up with the Word, it needs to be removed and forsaken.
Conclusion: This is a passage that many would rather not consider or deal with, but it is given for our benefit. As I consider all that my Lord endured for me and what I have received of Him, I am compelled to live in a way that pleases Him. We cannot serve the Lord if we seek to minimize His holiness. If we are to be what the Lord desires of us, we must never be guilty of casting our pearls before the swine.
For some this passage is hard to be received and live by. We must ensure that we develop a proper balance. This passage does not teach that we are not to confront sin or seek to reach the lost, but that we must do all with wisdom. Mat.10:16 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. All we do for Christ ought to be bathed in prayer, seeking godly wisdom. If you will seek the Lord and follow the direction of the Spirit, you will not go wrong.
Is there a need in your life tonight? Do you need the wisdom that only God can give? Are you concerned about someone who is particularly resistant to God’s truth? Maybe you realize that you have never been saved and want to come to Christ. If so, I would encourage you to do so. Resisting the Lord and His calling is dangerous. Please come as the Lord leads.
