Matthew 7:6

"Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you"

This really needs to be read along with the preceeding words. It's an interesting contrast to the idea of not judging, because, in terms of how the previous verses are misinterpreted, it is a very judgemental passage! It reinforces interpreting the foregoing in terms of what today we would call prejudice and stereotyping.



So what's this bit about? It certainly seems to imply that we do have to make assessments regarding how other people are likely to receive what we have to offer. 'Dogs' and 'pigs' are considered unclean animals -not at all appropriate recipients of holy things or precious things. The second half of the verse seems to have the human antitypes more in mind than the animal prototypes. IT does seem to me to fit the kind of situation where we have precious and holy things to pass on to others but sometimes, on the basis of experience, we know that they are not going to be received. In such circumstances we should be prepared not to share them, and to await a time when perhaps they might be appreciated for what they are.



This is part of mission strategy: you learn enough about your 'audience' to know who will be likely to listen and how. You don't spend time trying to open up the hardened when there are many who are ready to hear. You see Jesus working by this strategy; going to other villages also, leaving becasue he knew what was in people's hearts and giving warnings to those who persistantly refused to engage with what he was saying.



Crosswalk.com - Matthew 7:6: