Pearls Before Swine

Matthew 7:6

This is a verse that does not seem to fit where it is placed by the inspired author.  First of all, as arranged in the best-known texts, this sentence comes at the end of a paragraph addressing how we are to judge, or not judge as the case may be.  It just doesn’t seem to flow.  By all appearances it would be better to make this a separate thought.

Second, Jesus is in the middle of what is arguably his greatest discourse.  He is speaking on attitudes and activities applicable to all who would enter His kingdom.  And here, near the end, he gives what appears to be instruction directed toward those who would later be sent out to teach all nations.

But, oh how great is the wisdom of God!  For He knows exactly what He is doing at all times.  This instruction is found precisely where it should be.  In fact, it would be out of place anywhere else in the sermon.  For, it is not only the apostles who were to go and teach all nations but every Christian (2 Tim. 2:2).  And how are we to know when we are giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before swine?  We must be able to discern the character of those we would teach.

This is why it is so important for us to keep our spiritual eyes free from obstruction through righteous living.  It is not the brother who has a mote in his eye who will trample under foot the Son of God and count the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing (Hebrews 10:29). But the one whose heart is filled with evil is he who has no esteem for the Word that is able to save men’s souls (James 1:21).  When we find such as these we are to shake the dust off our feet as we move on to more fertile soil (Matt. 10:14).

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ