ANIMAL KINGDOM Part Two

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs
neither cast ye your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them under their feet,
and turn again and rend you.”
Matthew 7:6
King James Version

In this portion of Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He talks about holy things, dogs, pigs, pearls and someone getting hurt. Jesus often referred to things that were commonly understood in the society so the people could make an association to a spiritual concept. The responsibility of every believer is to share the gospel of the kingdom, but here Jesus gives the instruction that, at times, the sacredness of the gospel should not be shared.
The Jews were well versed in holy things because they were aware of the meat sacrifices that were offered on the altar and deemed holy and sacred. Dogs and swine would not care if the meat was holy or not, but rather tear it to shreds and consume it. The holy things in this passage also relate to the message of salvation and holiness that many would treat as common and worthless. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant seeking ‘goodly pearls’ and when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46). The kingdom of heaven is sacred, holy, and a treasure of great price that must be held in high regard.
The only thing viler than dogs in Bible times were swine. Jesus equated those who did not hold the holy things in high regard and esteem as dogs and swine. He further instructed them to be careful not to offer the treasure of the kingdom to those who would treat it in this deplorable fashion.
Furthermore, Jesus said that those who resist, refuse and are impudent regarding the holy and righteous things would turn and rend, or attack you. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee.” Also, Proverbs 23:9 says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” Jesus instructed his disciples to even shake the dust from their feet from those who would not receive the message of the kingdom (Matthew 10:14).
You may ask, “How do I know when to share and when not to share?” Wisdom and discernment are vitally important. In the midst of wolves, dogs and swine, we are still to be docile sheep, wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Sometimes, the right thing to do is say nothing as being a good steward of the gospel. †