Why did Jesus say we are NOT
to cast our PEARLS before SWINE?

Q. What did Jesus MEAN when he said we are not to cast our PEARLS before SWINE?

A. The scripture in question is in Matthew 7 verse 6:

" 'Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.' " (Matthew 7:6, NKJV)

The word pearls above refers back to the word holy near the beginning of the verse and is a metaphor for godly wisdom and the kingdom of God.

God's wisdom, to which we should aspire, is likened to something very precious in another place in the book of Matthew:

" 'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.' " (Matthew 13:45-46, NKJV)

Of course, this is talking about the Kingdom of God and the wisdom one needs to enter that kingdom.

And these scriptures also have similar reference to this question:

“But where can wisdom be found?  And where is the place of understanding?  Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.

"The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’

"It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price.  It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.  Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold.  No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, for the price of wisdom is above rubies.  The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.

“From where then does wisdom come?  And where is the place of understanding?" (Job 28:12-20, NKJV)

Wisdom is found using God's Holy Spirit. In order to gain this wisdom one must have knowledge and understanding. That kind of understanding can only come through God's Holy Spirit which is given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5:32)

How do we gain this understanding which can lead us to that pearl of great price?

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:104)

God's precepts are written in the Holy Scriptures. If one has God's Holy Spirit, one can study God's Word (His Precepts) for Holy knowledge, and upon this foundation of the Holy Spirit and Holy knowledge, God will then grant Holy understanding.

This 'pearl' then is the knowledge and understanding of God's pure truth given to a person through God's Holy Spirit.

If we take that 'pearl' (of wisdom) and cast it (meaning to throw it away without caring where it falls) before 'dogs' (a metaphor for someone with an impure or impudent mind) or 'swine' (something or someone who is unclean) they might turn upon us and 'rend' us (they might distort what we are saying and might even attack us.)

God tells us in the book of Proverbs that there are times when we should be silent and times when we should respond directly to others (especially about God's truth). Jesus sometimes answered the questions and accusations thrown his way by the religious leaders of his day (e.g. Matthew 12:1-8) and sometimes refused to respond to their inquiries (e.g. Matthew 21:23-27). Proverbs states:

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.

"Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." (Proverbs 26:4-5, NKJV)

We must discern the reason for any questions according to the person who is doing the asking and answer within that context.

We should not cast our pearls of Godly wisdom before one who is a militant, ready to fight, unbeliever lest they turn on us and insult us or do us harm.