Jesus’ command not to cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6) is a call to value God’s truth and share it with discernment. In His cultural context, “dogs” and “swine” represented those who were unclean and, more specifically, those who were hostile toward what is holy. The “pearls” symbolize the precious truth of God—something of immense worth that should not be treated casually. Jesus warns that some people will not only reject that truth but will trample it and turn against the one offering it. This does not cancel the call to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20), but it clarifies that wisdom must guide how and when we do so. The Old Testament echoes this principle, warning that correcting a scoffer often invites hostility rather than repentance (Proverbs 9:7–8; 23:9). Jesus uses this word picture to teach that faithful witness requires both boldness and discernment—knowing when to persist and when to step back, trusting God to work in hearts in His time.
Being a Christian
requires ongoing discernment throughout life, and this is also true when
it comes to sharing the gospel. Jesus taught us to be both “innocent as doves
and wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16). He knew that the world was a hard place
and that persecution would come to His disciples. So, while we are to be loving
and kind to all, and while we are called to share the gospel, we are to know when to share it and when we are to
stop and look for another opportunity.
Everyone is
sinful, but how that sin expresses itself varies widely from person to
person. Some unbelievers will listen and even converse with you with great
patience. However, on the other end of the spectrum, some are looking for every opportunity
to throw what you said back in your face. While you may truly be loving them by
trying to warn them of eternal damnation, they are like the swine who trample
on those pearls of wisdom, become enraged, and turn to attack you.
This does not
mean you should fear sharing the truth. Nor does it mean you stop speaking to
them purely for personal comfort. But when you realize your effort is being wasted on them, it’s better to prioritize those who want to listen. At times, it becomes clear that the one we are speaking with is
only enraged by what
we say. That doesn’t mean that God might not save them later, but it may mean
that, for now, we need to pull back. If God intends to save that individual, we
can trust that He will do the work in their heart necessary so that, in the
future, they will listen and respond.
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