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Matthew 7:6 (BSB)
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” — Matthew 7:6
Imagine you're holding something really precious—a beautiful pearl or a sacred treasure. Now, picture trying to give that to someone who doesn't appreciate it at all, like a dog or a pig. This verse warns you about sharing what’s truly valuable with those who won’t recognize its worth. It’s about protecting what’s important to you and understanding when it’s not the right time or place to share it. This moment is filled with a sense of urgency and protective love, urging you to be wise in how you share your heart and your truth.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples who was a former tax collector. He had a unique perspective because he came from a place of being an outsider in society, yet he was chosen to follow Jesus. Matthew’s goal was to show how Jesus fulfilled the promises made in the Hebrew scriptures and to share his teachings in a way that would resonate with everyday people. His inclusion of this verse reflects his understanding that not everyone will value the message of love and wisdom that Jesus brings.
Matthew was writing during a time when the Jewish community was grappling with their identity and relationship with the Roman Empire. It was a period filled with tension and uncertainty. People were looking for hope and meaning in their lives. During this time, Jesus’ teachings were revolutionary, calling people to a deeper understanding of love and wisdom, which is why this verse stands out—it speaks directly to the need for discernment in a world that often overlooks what truly matters.
This verse matters today because it encourages you to be mindful of where you invest your emotional energy and wisdom. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it’s easy to overlook what’s truly valuable. This verse prompts you to protect your heart and your insights, reminding you that not everyone is ready to receive what you have to offer. It’s a call to be wise and discerning, ensuring you’re sharing your treasures with those who can appreciate them.
This week, take a moment to think about what’s truly precious to you—your dreams, ideas, or even your personal experiences. Reflect on who you share these with. Are there people in your life who don’t appreciate your insights? Consider setting boundaries or choosing the right moments to share your thoughts. Maybe even journal about your feelings before sharing them with someone. Protecting your treasures doesn’t mean shutting others out; it means being wise about when and how to open up.
In this chapter of Matthew, Jesus is teaching a series of lessons about how to live a life that reflects love and wisdom. He’s been talking about judgment, love, and how to treat one another. This verse comes right after he emphasizes the importance of not being judgmental. It’s like a pivot point; it highlights that while we should love and share, we also need to be discerning. After this, he continues with teachings that guide you to ask, seek, and knock—showing that there’s a balance between giving and knowing when to hold back.
Who in your life do you feel appreciates your insights and treasures, and who might not? How can you be more discerning about where you share your heart?
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