How can we discern who are the "dogs" and "pigs" in Matthew 7:6? Our Starting Text “Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) Key Observations from the Verse • Two animals—dogs and pigs—are singled out. • “Holy” and “pearls” picture precious, spiritual truths. • The danger: trampling and tearing—contempt followed by hostility. • Context: Jesus is teaching about judgment and discernment (Matthew 7:1-5). His words urge careful, loving evaluation, not harsh condemnation. Understanding “dogs” and “pigs” in Scripture • In biblical times dogs were semi-wild scavengers, not pets (Exodus 22:31). • Pigs were ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:7). • Together they symbolize people who despise what is sacred and refuse to be changed by it. Biblical Characteristics of Spiritual “Dogs” Philippians 3:2 “Beware of the dogs, beware of evil workers” 2 Peter 2:22 “A dog returns to its vomit” Look for: – Persistent hostility to Christ or His Word. – Repeated rejection of truth they have already understood. – A track record of turning back to sin after profession or exposure to the gospel. – Mockery or blasphemy when confronted with holy things. Biblical Characteristics of Spiritual “Pigs” Proverbs 11:22 “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” 2 Peter 2:22 “A sow…goes back to wallowing in the mud.” Look for: – A craving to wallow in impurity; no interest in repentance. – Disdain for spiritual “pearls,” seeing no value in them. – Destructive behavior toward those who offer correction (Proverbs 9:7-8). – A pattern of trampling spiritual opportunities underfoot. Practical Discernment Steps 1. Examine fruit, not hearsay (Matthew 7:16-20). Is the person bearing consistent fruit of unbelief and contempt? 2. Offer the gospel clearly at least once (Romans 10:17). A first-time hearing does not equal “pearls before pigs.” 3. Watch for scornful, aggressive reactions (Acts 13:45-46). When abuse replaces honest dialogue, verse 6 applies. 4. Note repeated cycles (Titus 3:10-11). After “two warnings,” continued divisiveness marks someone as unfit for further pearls. 5. Seek Spirit-given wisdom (James 1:5). The same Jesus who said verse 6 also said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). 6. Maintain a merciful posture even when stepping back (Luke 23:34). Refusal to cast pearls is not refusal to pray or to love. Cautions and Balances • Do not label honest seekers as dogs or pigs (Jude 22-23). • Remember your own past apart from grace (Ephesians 2:1-5). Humility guards against contempt. • Keep preaching open to all audiences publicly (Acts 17:17, 30). Verse 6 governs personal, persistent offering when faced with hardened scorn. • Leave final judgment to God (Romans 12:19). You step away; He remains judge. Putting It All Together Dogs and pigs are those who consistently, knowingly, and aggressively despise what is holy. Discernment comes by observing fruit, reactions to truth, and repeated cycles of rejection. Give the gospel freely, but when hostility and mockery dominate, obey Matthew 7:6: guard the pearls, withdraw from futile confrontation, and entrust the matter to God’s sovereign grace. |
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