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NASB | 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 their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:6 ¶ "Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. |
Bible Question: IN MATTHEW 7:6 WHAT IS MEAN'T ON " DON'T GIVE WHATS SACRED,DO NOT THROW YOUR PEARLS TO PIGS?" |
Bible Answer: Hi Lutheran, When looking at passages where we are taught using a parable, or simile, or other such device, first, we need to understand what the actual picture is that is being used. Then we try to determine how that picture applies to the lesson being taught. In the Sermon on the Mount, much of it is given by making a series of statements that are concluded by Jesus saying, "Therefore, such and such." This sermon can be divided into sections in this manner, which can help us to determine the meaning of these sections. The portion that we find these verses in is Jesus' teaching regarding interpersonal relationships, and specifically about the results we expect to achieve in our actions towards others compared to the results we actually achieve. We find things like "You'll be judged like you judge others." We think we are giving true and righteous criticism, but in reality, we are setting the standard for ourselves. "You can't help others with their faults if your vision is obscured by your own faults." "God will give good things to you just like you like to give good things to your kids." Jesus concludes this portion with "therefore, whatever you want others to do to you, do that to them." So these commands of Jesus must relate to how we think we are acting, and are meant to clue us in to what is really going to be the result. It is thought by some that "the sacred thing" was the sacrifice on the altar. "Don't take the 'animal of sacrifice unto the Lord' away from the altar, and throw it to the dogs." The animal from the altar, if thrown to the dogs, will feed the dogs for a day. But it will deprive God of His due, and the dogs will be hungry tomorrow. You will still be needing to bring a sacrifice to offer. There are things in life that the Lord has decreed are to serve Him. Don't give those things to others. An example would be that if you have committed to God to give a tithe to your home church, don't give it to the homeless guy on the corner. Not that you should ignore someone in need if the Lord leads you, but that you mustn't break your vow to God because you think you could do good somewhere else with it. You can always give something else for alms. Regarding the pearls before swine, if you did throw pearls to swine, you would seem to them as their keepers, and they would think that you were feeding them. But when they discovered that your valuable pearls were not able to be eaten, they would trample them mindlessly into the mud on their way to show you their displeasure at being tricked! When you give valuable spiritual gifts to those who are unsaved, and therefore without spiritual understanding, they will seek to consume them upon the lusts of their flesh, as they will always do with anything they receive (as we once also did). They will find that these spiritual gems do not have the expected 'flavor', and you will quickly find them becoming antagonistic to you. Before I was born again, when someone tried to tell be about the joy of their new life in Christ, and the touch of God's hand leading them, and the word that God had given them about His choosing me, I laughed, I ridiculed, I was not very nice. Many would do worse than that. Jesus tells us that as we wish to be done to, do to others. Give me the kind of food that I need, even if it is base. Be discerning to the condition of those you wish to help, and give them help that actually helps them where they are. Maybe you are not the one who will preach the kingdom to them, but you can help them keep body and soul together for another day, and let them know that someone cares about them, and not just our own agenda. And when you give, give what is yours to give, lest there be strings attached, or reprisals, and show by your actions your belief in the holiness of God, in your respect for His things. I hope this helps. Love in Christ, Mark |