Reading the Word

Matthew 7:6 (ESV) — 6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Understanding and Applying the Word

After warning against a judgmental attitude in Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus balances it by also warning about lack of discernment. While we are not to be judgmental, this does not mean we are to be naïve nor does it mean that we are to treat every person exactly the same. In terms of the gospel, there are those who will desire to hear the Good News while others will reject and attack the same message. We need to prioritize taking the gospel to those who will actually receive it rather than those who will not.

D.A. Carson makes the following observation about Jesus’ warning here:

However, in seeking to do full justice to this warning in 7:6, we ought not fail to note that five verses are reserved for judgmental people, and only one for undiscerning people. That ratio reflects an accurate assessment of where the greater danger lies.

So, let us be careful not to judge, but let us also be discerning.

---

**If you enjoy reading Shaped by the Word, please consider sharing this post on social media. Doing so helps us reach a larger audience. Thanks for reading!

Follow Shaped by the Word on WordPress or Facebook.