Of Pearls and Pigs

“Don't give to dogs what belongs to God. They will only turn and attack you. Don't throw pearls down in front of pigs. They will trample all over them.” Matthew 7:6

We love to be right. And, we love be right about what we thing is righteous even more. If we are convinced we are part of a good and just cause, we tend to argue that point stronger yet. And why not? Any fool should be able to see the worth of our belief as well as we do.

Given just a few moments’ thought, we may realize how untrue that statement is. We ourselves had to be persuaded before we came to any present-held belief. That confirms there was once a time when we didn’t “see it” ourselves. Perhaps we were stupid. Most of us would argue otherwise. We just hadn’t thought it through yet, but we were never stupid.

Having been persuaded, though, we launch into the world with our eyes wide open. We now know the truth. Perhaps it is an IBM fellow now fully persuaded that Mac is the only way to computing glory. Our Mac man will collar every person possible to convert them to their enlightened view of CPU heaven. And they won’t let go, no matter how hard the IBM fellow tries to get away.

Indeed, our Mac man, so thoroughly converted, forgets any good points the IBM had in his previous life. It is Mac or nothing, and the rest of the world should see it too. IBMs are anathema, and it is his duty to make everyone aware of the fact. He may argue until steam rises from his friend’s ears, but he is not going to stop until he gets the message through.

Though no one could doubt his commitment to the Mac brand, his methods of persuasion could use some work. He may love Mac, but he may end up loving Mac all by himself, having disenfranchised himself from everyone with whom he has debated. He has forgotten one thing: there are people just as devoted to IBM as he is to the Mac.

This sets up the situation in which Jesus counsels us not to give dogs what belongs to God, or to throw pearls in front of pigs. He is stating a truth in first century Jewish language. It is a hyperbolic proverb. Proverbs are short sayings meant to illustrate a life truth, often using exaggeration to drive home the point.

Just like a dog would tear apart a meat offering the Jew might offer to God, and a pig trample pearls, so people unready to hear will not respond to our repeated insistence upon the truth. There are times when, even sharing the Gospel, it is wise to walk away. There is a point at which to continue will actually do more harm to the Gospel than good. It is wisdom that makes that discernment and shuts down the argument before we lose the person.

But, we all like to be right. That is why Jesus gives us this caution. Jesus Himself didn’t press the point home with those who showed they were defiantly disinterested. He was silent, or spoke very little directly to Pilate or Herod during His trial.

Sharing the Good News is not about winning a debate; it is about winning people. If we strong-arm folks to finally eke out a reluctant parroting of the “sinner’s prayer”, have we really done anything for the Kingdom of God? The wise follower of Jesus knows when to quiet down and allow the Holy Spirit room to work.

Can I add one more thought about throwing pearls to pigs? Besides our salvation, is there anything more valuable than the human spirit? Is it possible that Jesus is also counseling us to not be too quick to hand ourselves over to every person we meet? Is He telling us that sharing our most valuable self with others should be done with discernment?

There are very few that can handle another person’s innermost self without harming it. When someone shows us their very spirit, the part of them that is most precious, most “pearl-like”, we are tempted to suddenly become Pearl Critics.

“You wouldn’t hurt so much if you didn’t dwell on the past.” “I have no idea why you think that way.” “What, you cry way too easily.” “I think you reacted for too strongly to your mother’s death.” And so the “pigs” stomp all over our pearls.

Jesus was not making a case for being distrustful. But I do believe He was saying to guard that which is precious to you. Share it with those who you can trust to handle it with care. For others, let the everyday self be enough.