As we read and study the 49 scriptures that are Jesus’s commandments, let’s ask God to help us observe these words, apply them, and faithfully follow them throughout our lifetimes. The command we will focus on today is “Do Not Cast Pearls.”
Verse of the Day
“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.”
Matthew 7:6 KJV
“Don’t give something that is holy to dogs. They will only turn and hurt you. And don’t throw your pearls to pigs. They will only step on them.”
Matthew 7:6 ERV
Lesson of the Day
Jesus commands us not to cast pearls. This is a harder command to obey because it takes discernment. It teaches believers to use spiritual discernment rather than endlessly arguing with people who aggressively reject or mock God’s truth.
Right before this verse, Jesus warns against a harsh, critical spirit (Matthew 7:1–5). Verse 6 balances that by showing that love does not mean being completely naive. You must not condemn people’s souls, but you must evaluate their behavior and receptivity.
You are responsible for sharing the good news, but you are not responsible for how people respond. When someone shows they only want to mock or fight, it is wise to step away and move on, similar to shaking the dust off your feet.
Wisdom means stewarding your time and emotional energy for hearts that are actually open to listening rather than getting trapped in endless, hostile debates.
In Matthew 7:6, Jesus teaches about not giving holy food to dogs or pearls to pigs. Holy food was set apart for God, so giving it to wild, scavenging dogs would disregard its sacred value. Similarly, God’s wisdom is likened to precious pearls. A pig doesn’t recognize a pearl’s worth and would only trample it. Jesus is teaching us to use discernment when sharing something spiritually precious with someone who responds with contempt. This teaching relates to the pair of sayings in Proverbs 26:4–5 about when to answer a foolish person. There will be times when it’s helpful to share God’s wisdom with others and times when it will fall flat. It takes discernment to know the right time and place to share.
Encouragement
Be encouraged because 1 Corinthians 2:14–15 says the natural man can’t receive the things of the Spirit, but the spiritual man judges, or discerns, all things. Through the Holy Spirit, we have help understanding spiritual things that the natural man cannot understand on his own. We still need to seek God’s guidance rather than assume our own judgment is always right.
If someone only wants to argue, mock, or treat God’s wisdom—those precious pearls—with contempt, then shake the dust off your feet. Move on to someone who is willing to listen.
Most preachers and leaders at church encourage the congregation to witness to people at their jobs. At least that’s what my former preacher told us to do. I wonder if they ever thought about casting pearls. Encouraging us to witness is good, but we also need guidance about when to continue sharing and when to step away.
I can appreciate Jesus’s encouragement. This is good news. We don’t have to feel bad about not approaching someone who has already shown that they only want to argue and mock God. Jesus is teaching us to recognize when people are open to listening. He gives us discernment so we don’t have to waste our time in endless, hostile arguments.
If you feel like you can win someone over, then go for it. If you feel uncomfortable, pause, listen to your conscience, and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. Discomfort alone doesn’t always mean we should stop. The Holy Spirit will not steer us wrong, but we need His help to recognize His guidance.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are Wisdom, Power, and Love. All of Your commandments are out of love. You love us so much that You took the time to tell us how to live. You didn’t make us figure it out on our own. Thank You for wisdom, discernment, and grace. Continue to guide us through this life with Your words. Protect us from evil. Open our spiritual eyes and lead us to willing souls so that we can share the good news that You are their Savior. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, amen.