Matthew 7:6: Pearls Before Pigs

Script

Tim: The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of the teachings of Jesus, and the main body of the sermon is all about living in right relationship with God and others, what he calls a "greater righteousness."

In the third block of teachings, Jesus focuses on right relationships. This section has three parts, and the central block of teaching hones in on difficult relationships.

Jon: Now, in the first teaching of this section, Jesus challenges us to never condemn people as if we have all the knowledge or authority to do so. (Matthew 7:1-2)

Tim: In the second teaching, he says that if you've done some serious self-evaluation and approach a friend in humility and love, you may be able to help them take a speck out of their eye. (Matthew 5:3-5)

Jon: And that leads us to the third teaching on the topic.

Tim: And this teaching is a full-on riddle.

Jon: "Do not give what is holy to dogs. And don't throw your pearls in front of pigs." (Matthew 7:6) That is puzzling. What is this about?

Tim: Okay, so in Jesus' day, dogs were not common pets, but were mostly wild scavengers, living off trash and dead animals.

Jon: And so don't give them something holy to eat?

Tim: Yeah. Holy food, in Jesus' Jewish culture, was food set apart for sacred feasts that are to be eaten in God's presence. These meals are for God's people to celebrate life. They're not for dogs, which were associated with impurity and death.

Jon: Okay, and what about pearls and pigs?

Tim: Well, in Jesus' day, some Bible scholars referred to God's wisdom in the Torah as "pearls." Pearls of wisdom are really valuable, but pigs don't know how to appreciate a pearl's worth. It's not wise to try and give someone wisdom that they don't want.

Jon: "So they don't trample them with their feet and turning around, they will tear you apart.” (Matthew 7:6)

Tim: So there might be times when you can offer wisdom to others, but not everyone is ready to appreciate it. Maybe they're in a lot of pain, or they're really angry.