Pearls before swine

Matthew 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to dogs;do not cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample you under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces".

Very powerful imagery used by Jesus in this passage. I want to examine some of the lessons we can learn here.

First the word "dog" is often used in the bible to refer to a male prostitute. Jesus is saying not to give what is holy to people who will not recognize the value of what you are giving them, and will treat it with disrespect. He goes onto say do not cast your pearls. pearls are hard to come by. Pearl divers, dive to staggering depths, not an easy feat. Not everyone can go out and dive to the depths that pearl divers dive to. It requires a serious set of lungs, lots of discipline to hold your breath while your body is screaming at you. Your lungs are burning in agony at the lack of air, but the reward is worthy of the risk. The risk is sudden death, known as shallow water blackout. 

The reward is awesome, a pearl worthy of the risk? That depends on whether you like pearls or not. This is one of those :"beauty is in the eyes of the holder". 

Now swine, or pigs are strange animals. They eat, and eat and never give a thought to how the food arrived. They always take. Pigs can eat for ever if there was enough food. They lie down in the mud, and wallow. The only time you see domestic pigs move is when food time arrives, and then suddenly they have tremendous speed. They will trample anything and anyone underneath their feet to get at food. Never ever is there a "thank you". Its not possible for a pig to speak, never mind show gratitude.

Jesus is saying that there are those believers that act just like pigs. they will take and take from you, never saying 'thank you', never giving the slightest thought to you. Its all about them. These people don't appreciate your efforts at getting the pearl you are giving them. These pearls come through serious diving, deep into the Word, digging deep to obtain!

Jesus is telling believers not to easily give up their pearls, their revelation that came through serious study, fasting and a disciplined lifestyle. 

This passage goes onto to say that when you stop giving away your pearls of wisdom, they will turn and rip into you. Believers can be vicious when they turn on you. Many a pastor, teacher has found this out the hard way. The mistake was to give away your pearls of wisdom to people who do not place a high value on wisdom!

The world says to never argue with a fool as they will not know the difference. Christ said to protect your pearls of revelation, rather than share it with everyone.