The phrase “pearls before swine” comes from a famous Bible verse in the Gospel of Matthew. It serves as a warning about offering something valuable to those who do not recognize or appreciate it. The imagery used—pearls and swine—evokes the idea of offering precious wisdom, love, or truth to people who are not in a position to understand or value it.
In this blog post, we will explore the emotional and spiritual implications of this phrase and how it connects to both personal and relational boundaries.
The Bible offers a profound understanding of discernment, the value of wisdom, and how we should steward the gifts God has given us. By delving into these verses, we will gain insight into the balance between sharing wisdom and protecting what is valuable from being misused.
1. Matthew 7:6
“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.”
Explanation: This verse is one of the most well-known references to the idea of “pearls before swine.” Jesus teaches His followers that not all people are ready to receive the valuable truths of the Kingdom of God. Offering spiritual wisdom to those who are unwilling to listen or respect it can lead to it being trampled upon, and even result in hostility. This is a call for discernment in how and to whom we share our faith.
2. Matthew 13:46
“Who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Explanation: This verse from the Parable of the Pearl of Great Value highlights the immense worth of God’s kingdom and wisdom. Just as a man sold all he had for a precious pearl, we are called to seek God with everything we have, recognizing the value of His wisdom and presence. It’s a reminder that, unlike swine, we are to treasure what is precious.
3. Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Explanation: The Bible teaches that true wisdom comes from God. His wisdom is like a pearl, rare and valuable. Recognizing and cherishing this wisdom is essential in our spiritual walk, and we must guard it from those who are not ready to understand or accept it.
4. Proverbs 23:9
“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool; he will despise the good sense of your words.”
Explanation: This verse reinforces the idea of not casting valuable words before those who will not appreciate them. Sometimes, it’s better to remain silent rather than waste time and energy on individuals who are not in a position to understand or benefit from our counsel.
5. Luke 16:16
“The law and the prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
Explanation: Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God requires more than superficial effort—it requires genuine engagement and understanding. Those who force their way in without truly seeking the wisdom and understanding of the Gospel might not truly appreciate the value of what is being offered.
6. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Explanation: God is generous with His wisdom, and He freely gives it to those who ask. Unlike the pigs or dogs of Matthew 7:6, those who earnestly seek God’s wisdom will find that He opens His heart and hands to them, offering insight and clarity for every situation.
7. Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of accepting wisdom and correction. Those who seek knowledge and understanding from God value discipline, while those who refuse to listen or learn resemble the “swine” in the parable—unwilling to appreciate the value of what is being offered.
8. Colossians 2:3
“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Explanation: This verse points to Christ as the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Just as pearls are precious, so is the wisdom that comes from Christ. As believers, we are called to treasure Christ’s wisdom, understanding that it is far more valuable than anything the world offers.
9. 1 Corinthians 2:14
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Explanation: This verse echoes the idea that spiritual wisdom is not understood by everyone. Some people, like the swine in the parable, are not capable of grasping the spiritual truths we share. In these cases, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to walk away and wait for the right moment.
10. Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Explanation: This passage encourages us to seek and ask for God’s wisdom. It reassures us that when we earnestly seek, God will not withhold His truth. However, we must also be mindful of those who are not truly seeking wisdom, as they may not appreciate what God is offering.
11. Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Explanation: Wisdom is foundational to the Christian life. We are called to pursue wisdom above all else, recognizing its immense value. Just as pearls are precious, so too is the wisdom we gain from God.
12. Luke 12:48
“But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
Explanation: This verse underscores the responsibility that comes with the wisdom and understanding we receive. When God gives us valuable truths, we are called to steward them well and share them wisely, not with those who will misuse them, but with those who are ready to hear.
13. Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”
Explanation: True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which means reverence and awe for Him. When we honor God and His Word, we gain understanding and insight. This is wisdom we can share, but we must ensure it is with those who recognize its value.
14. 1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Explanation: The message of the cross, which is central to the Christian faith, is considered foolish by many. This is a reminder that there are people who will not appreciate the value of the Gospel or the wisdom of God, much like the swine in the parable who trample pearls underfoot.
15. Matthew 13:11
“And he answered them, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.'”
Explanation: Jesus reveals that the mysteries of the kingdom are given to those who are ready and willing to receive them. Not everyone is prepared to understand or value the wisdom of God, which is why discernment is necessary in how we share it.
Conclusion
The concept of pearls before swine offers an important lesson about the stewardship of wisdom and knowledge. While God’s wisdom is precious, there are times when it should be shared with care and discernment.
We are called to share the treasures of God’s Word with those who are ready to receive it, but we must also recognize when it’s time to hold back, understanding that not everyone is in a position to appreciate or benefit from it.
As you reflect on these Bible verses, consider how you can apply the wisdom of God to your own life. How can you discern when and how to share the valuable truths God has revealed to you?
Share your thoughts, experiences, or favorite verses in the comments below. Let’s continue to encourage one another as we seek to honor God’s wisdom in all that we do.