Beatitudes Series Part 12: Don’t Cast Pearls To Swine
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We are now continuing our Bible Study- The Beatitudes Series, starting in Matthew 7, where we learn about judgment and the warning behind it.
The Beatitude Series Part 12:
Don’t Cast Pearls To Swine
Key Verses of Discussion
Matthew 7:6
Proverbs 26: 11-12
Revelations 22: 14-15
2 Peter 2:20-22
Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5: 1-20, Luke 8: 26-39
In the last devotion, the topic of discussion was: Judge Not. We are to be humble in thought towards others, since we may fall into the same faults they are in if we are not cautious. We are not to think highly of ourselves, but to be in prayer for those who are not in God’s will. To be reminded that we fall short every day of the glory of God, but because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we are redeemed from our faults. If you missed it, I encourage you to check it out: Beatitudes Series Part 11
While we continue to study the Beatitudes, there’s so much to unpack; we must slow down as we unpack it all. We may only cover a few short verses at a time, but there’s so much to discover, and studying God’s Word is a journey, not a race.
Grab a fresh, hot cup of tea or coffee, grab your Bible and even a notebook, and let’s continue learning what Jesus teaches us in this Beatitudes Bible Study Series.
Neither Cast Your Pearls To Swine
Matthew 7:6
“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
Parables Have Deeper Meanings
Jesus often speaks in parables. When we look at what a pearl represents, it’s more than just an ornament for beautiful jewelry. There are some big representations here when Jesus speaks of pearls, dogs, and swine. Jesus warns not to give that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. If just reading this, it may seem simple, but if we take a moment to understand what this truly means, we can apply it to our lives. Let’s look at a few of these and what they may represent according to the Bible.
Dogs
The first thing Jesus mentions is the dog, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs…” In generations past, a dog was not as many see them today, the cute little lap dog. Animals all had a purpose, and dogs were no exception! In the fields, shepherds would have watchdogs to help guard their herds; in the cities, dogs were the garbage cleanup crew. Dogs were used in many cases throughout the centuries; we know them to be man’s best friend, as they have become a very handy tool over the years. Although helpful in many ways, dogs are still animals and are considered unclean animals.
Dogs are mentioned many times throughout Scripture, and they are not given a good reputation in most cases. Paul refers to false prophets as dogs: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Philippians 3:2
Here are a few other examples:
Proverbs 26:11-12 “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
This speaks of an individual who relies on his own wisdom; he is likened to a dog that returneth to his own vomit.
Revelations 22:14-15 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
This passage speaks of those who will be allowed to enter into the gates of eternal heaven, and the “dogs” that are likened to the evildoers, such as sorcerers, whoremobers, murderers, and idolaters, will not enter into heaven.
2 Peter 2:20-22 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
This verse includes both the nature of the dog and the swine, both depictions of being filthy and unclean animals that return to their own filth.
Swine
While dogs are considered filthy, the swine is regarded as the most unclean animal. One memorable event in Scripture is when Jesus casts legions of demons that a man was possessed with into a herd of swine, and the swine ran violently down a steep hill and into the lake, where they were choked in the sea.
This can be found in Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5: 1-20, Luke 8: 26-39. The man was possessed by demons who roamed around unclothed, cutting himself, living among the tombs, and he couldn’t be chained or bound. Have you ever met an individual who was causing harm to themselves or seemed wild in behavior?
Jesus taught the disciples about casting out demons and unclean spirits; those who are not covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can be influenced by demons. These individuals are to be prayed for and fasted over to be freed from this spiritual attack.
The amazing part of this event unfolded when the man, despite how untamed and dangerous he was, Jesus healed him, spiritually, physically, and mentally. As Jesus was leaving, he begged to go with Jesus, but He had better plans for this man, a true witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ! This man became a living testimony of Jesus changing his life.
Pearls
Pearls are magnificent, beautiful adornments made into jewelry and other decorative embellishments. Pearls are not like stones or gems, but they are made out of just a grain of sediment and, over time, transformed into a beautiful pearl.
A true pearl is formed when a foreign object, such as sediment or a grain of sand, is stuck inside an oyster. This occurs in nature, but the pearls we see today are farmed with the help of human interaction. They are real pearls, but farmers open the oysters to place a grain of sand inside them that begins the process of the pearl. The oyster detects something that does not belong and begins to encapsulate it by shedding its inner shell around it. When opening an oyster, you can observe this beautiful layer on the inside of the shell, also known as ‘Mother of Pearl.’ Layer after layer, taking time to create, the pearl begins to get bigger and is eventually harvested and made into beautiful jewelry.
Just like diamonds and gemstones, pearls are made over a period of time that starts with something unsightly and, under pressure, are made into something beautiful.
When put into a spiritual perspective, a sinner tainted with the ugly nature of sin (sand), then over time, pressure and refinement, covered in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is made into something beautiful- a born-again Christian saved by grace! We are born with a sinful nature, but when we are born into eternal life through Jesus Christ, He covers our sin, and all God sees is layer upon layer of grace, forgiveness, and beauty…the pearl.
Understanding The Message
Jesus compared dogs and swine to unclean spirits, and now He mentions pearls. Pearls represent the goodness and Salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So why does he tell us not to throw pearls to dogs or swine?
We are to witness to others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, but once we relay a clear message for an individual or group to understand, we are to step back and pray for the Holy Spirit to be the conviction. We are to spread the message, not be the replacement of the Holy Spirit. When we step back to allow that individual who heard the Salvation Message to be convicted by the Holy Spirit, we are removing ourselves from the equation. We are but a messenger to continue to spread the great news of Salvation to others, and not to be the convicting individual.
Know When To Step Away
When a person does not want to hear the gospel truth, we are to step away, not argue or continue with debates. “Don’t cast your pearls to swine.” We are to step away and pray for them; this removes us from the equation so we do not become a stumbling block to them, and it allows space for a direct connection to Jesus Christ.
Every born-again Christian has a unique testimony they can share about their experience of when they were lost in sin and came to the redemption of Jesus Christ through Salvation. This testimony is for each individual to experience, and God has a path for each one. No two people are alike; the Salvation message will become clear for an individual at different times in their life. God allows certain circumstances in one’s life that will lead them closer to Him.
In God’s Timing
You may experience sharing the Salvation message with individuals who have already been searching for God, and others will not be ready to hear the gospel. We are to share the love and forgiveness that God offers us, share our experience and testimony of what God has done for us in our lives, and allow God to take care of the rest.
God Has A Plan
For each person, God has a perfect plan timed out just right! I call these God-incidences, not coincidences! To witness these situations is nothing short of a miracle from God! To be at the right place, right time, with the right individual to mention something casually, and lead to you witnessing to them about Jesus Christ. When you feel led to share the gospel with them, do so!
We are unaware of the circumstances that the person has experienced, and it just may be YOU, you are the one God had planned to share your experience with them, because they may relate to your story, or can be an inspiration to know God.
God tells us to be quick and ready to share the gospel at any time. He also warns us not to throw our pearls to swine and to wipe the dust off our feet from the city who have closed hearts to the gospel.
Matthew 10:14-15 “And whosoever shall not recieve you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha, in the day of judgment, than for that city.”
Luke 9:5 “And whosoever will not recieve you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”
Matthew 6:11 “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”
Matthew 10:10-12 “But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.”
Dogs, Swine, Pearls
When we go back and think of what Scripture refers to as dogs, swine, and pearls. We can recognize the behavior of individuals who are either ready to hear the gospel message or those that you may share with, but are not accepting salvation. For those who do not want to accept Salvation are those who will be judged by God, because they have not believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sinners Are Not Sent To Hell
Many may have the misconception that people get ‘sent’ to hell. Satan and his fallen angels are the ones who get sent to the eternal lake of fire, hell.
When an individual dies, and they have not received the saving grace and gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ alone, they are already hell-bound. We are born in a sinful world. God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a blood sacrifice for sin once and for all. If an individual does not choose to repent of their sin and accept Salvation, then the path they are born into, sin, is the one they remain on. Therefore, nobody is sent to hell; their souls go for all eternity into damnation because they denied who Jesus Christ is, it’s their unbelief.
God is patient and gives us more chances to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior throughout one’s lifetime. When we encounter a loved one who does not want to hear your testimony, then they must be prayed for; it may not be you who God sends again, it may be a stranger. This is how God works. If you are a Christian, we are all connected and guided through the Holy Spirit. God uses us in mysterious ways. When you are delayed, look for opportunities that God may be aligning the timing to be just right; you may encounter a stranger He sent in your path to share your testimony with. That individual may be just the person that someone has been praying for, that God would send someone to share the Salvation message with them, so they may repent of their sins.
Never lose hope, continue to pray. God answers prayers in the most unsuspecting times. Remember that His ways are not ours, His timing is not ours, and God is just and faithful to answer prayers at the perfect time.
Isaiah 55: 8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”
If you have more questions on what the Bible says about Salvation, there is a small video with Scripture that is called The Roman Road- Map Of Salvation, plus a free printable PDF that has all the Scriptures on one page you can use and print as a reference guide or even to hand out while sharing the gospel message with others.
These are not for sale; please respect the copyright.
Before you start your day, will you join me in prayer?
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Let this Bible study remind us of our daily mission as Christians to be a light in this world that reflects Your grace, forgiveness, and love. May we take this lesson and be reminded that we are not responsible to convict others, but to be a messenger of the gospel, to share the testimony that You have changed our lives and You are waiting to change others through repentance and forgiveness of sin. May we also be reminded that not all are ready to hear the gospel, that even if we can be a reflection of You by just our actions of how we care for others and serve. If any do not know You as their Lord and Savior, I ask that they have an understanding that You are waiting to forgive and not judge, You are ready with open arms to restore what’s broken, and to raise more to become followers of You, Jesus Christ. May You bless those who study and read Your Word. I ask that You continue to be with me so that the message I share is one that You would have me to write, guiding and directing my words, thoughts, and actions. We ask this in Your precious Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Sources: Fasting - https://www.themanual.com/fitness/benefits-of-fasting/
Fasting Benefits - https://foodrevolution.org/blog/what-is-fasting/
Quick Note:
Some Bible studies may take longer than others, as I am often led to explain certain verses in greater detail. I want you to know that these blog posts are written straight from my heart - they are not created by AI, so if you pay close attention, you may find my little nuggets of imperfections! What you read here are my own thoughts and reflections, guided by where God leads me.
I am not a professional; I’m simply a southern wife and mother of five with a deep desire to share the truth of our loving Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He longs to have a relationship with you. We are not called to be perfect, but we are called to be led by Him.
God has placed so much on my heart to share, and my prayer is that these words bless and encourage you. I’m not here for recognition or fame - only to spread the message of God’s love to you, my new friend, and to many others.
