New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 7:6

The Narrow Gate

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 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 7:6, in plain English

Use wisdom about where and with whom you share sacred things; not everyone will value what is precious to you.

Why it's here

Jesus is balancing His 'don't judge' teaching with common sense: some people aren't ready or willing to receive truth.

Who's speaking

Jesus, teaching wise discernment.

Where it sits in the story

This is about protecting what's sacred, not out of arrogance, but out of wisdom about people's readiness.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus balances the prohibition against judgmentalism with wisdom about discernment: holy things and pearls should not be given to those (dogs, swine) who will desecrate them.

Language and setting

Dogs and pigs were unclean animals in Jewish law; the imagery suggests those who are hostile or contemptuous toward sacred truth.

Voice

Jesus, teaching about spiritual discernment.

Significance

This verse provides necessary balance: while Jesus warns against judgmentalism, He also calls for wise discernment in sharing sacred truths.

In context

Matthew 7:4–8

4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye?

5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6Do 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.

7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Read all of Matthew 7 — Judge not, ask boldly, and choose the hard road. Jesus closes his great sermon with a storm that separates the wise from the foolish.

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