How does Matthew 7:6 relate to the wisdom in Proverbs 9:7? Setting the Context • Matthew 7:6: “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.” • Proverbs 9:7: “He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.” Parallel Wisdom Threads • Both verses address the same arena: the wise stewardship of truth. • “Holy” and “pearls” (Matthew 7:6) correspond to “correction” and “rebuke” (Proverbs 9:7). Each label signals something precious, reserved for those prepared to value it. • “Dogs” and “swine” mirror the “mocker” and “wicked man.” The imagery identifies people hardened against God’s wisdom, likely to react with hostility rather than repentance. • The predicted outcomes are virtually identical: trampling pearls and turning to tear (Matthew 7:6) equals shaming and injuring the one who offers correction (Proverbs 9:7). In both cases, the giver ends up harmed and the truth dishonored. Why Restriction Serves Love • Discernment protects the sacred message from desecration (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14). • It also protects the messenger from needless abuse (cf. Acts 13:45–46, where Paul turns from resistant Jews to receptive Gentiles). • Withholding is not condemnation; it is an act of stewardship. Jesus still invites all to repent (Matthew 11:28), yet He models selective depth (Matthew 13:10–15). Practicing Discernment Today • Evaluate receptivity: Are you dealing with a seeker (Acts 17:11) or a scoffer (Proverbs 23:9)? • Offer truth proportionate to hunger: give milk to infants, meat to the mature (Hebrews 5:12–14). • When hostility rises, pivot rather than press (Titus 3:10–11). • Keep doors open through prayer and consistent character, ready to share again if hearts soften (1 Peter 3:15–16). Balancing Courage and Caution • We are still commanded to “preach the word … in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2), but not to cast pearls into a pigpen. • Evangelistic zeal and prudent silence are partners, not rivals. The Spirit supplies the discernment (John 16:13). Summary Snapshot Matthew 7:6 and Proverbs 9:7 converge on one central principle: wisdom discerns the audience before dispensing divine treasures. When a heart is hardened in mockery, restraint shields the truth from ridicule and the messenger from harm. When a heart is seeking, lavish the pearls without hesitation. |
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