Matthew 7:6 6Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
This is an odd proverb that comes right after Jesus warns his disciples about judging others. The statement may balance the idea of being judgmental and discerning. There is a time to be discerning and make careful judgments about what is holy and profane. Jews viewed dogs as unholy. It would have been sacrilege to give dogs meat that had been sacrificed on the altar.
Pigs were also viewed as unholy. Pearls are in the same special category of extraordinary and precious, like things sanctified to God. The contrast is vivid about making unholy that which is meant to be holy. Disciples should be discerning, aware, and make careful choices about how they live. Pigs can be dangerous animals, especially if they are wild, and can cause destruction and injury. Why would someone even consider giving them something of great honor and value? The answer to the proverbial riddle Jesus gives here is obvious: no one would do this.
In the same way, disciples must be careful about their actions. We must look carefully at our lives to make sure that we are right with God before we ever start dealing with the problems of other people.
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