Matthew 7
In Matthew 7, it talks about how we shouldn't judge. But in verse 6, it says "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs..." Why does it seem like verse 6 contradicts the beginning of the chapter?
Age: 28, Male
Thank you for your question! It was a joy to unpack this passage in Matthew 7. Yes, Jesus instructs us not to judge others, lest we be judged. Two illustrations are used by Jesus for the hypocrites, using a standard of measure and looking at the speck in other’s eyes when you have a log in your own.
Who was Jesus referring to when he spoke these words in Matthew 7 about judging others? Jesus came to be with the poor, oppressed and marginalized of society. They had been abused, hurt, and cast out by those in power. It was the Pharisees who were doing the oppressing, judging and being hypocritical. Jesus was pointing out their sin to humanity. Surely, this type of judging occurs today in our society just as it did in Jesus’ time. We can see hypocritical actions and sinful judgment by those who are in power.
Now what does verse 6 mean? Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls to pigs. Is Jesus asking us to turn around and judge others? Let’s unpack the meaning of verse 6. What is being referred to by pigs and dogs? In Jesus’ time, these animals were shameless and unclean. Jesus is saying to stay away from these type of people for they will reject holiness (Expositor’s Greek Testament). What about the pearls and holy? These represent that which is precious and sacred to us, our beliefs, our love. Jesus is warning us to be careful with whom we share our faith with. Jesus cautions us when we go out of our homes and into the world, to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).
So, what is our conclusion on Matthew 7:6? “The injunction not to judge one another does not imply that Christians cannot discriminate. After all, we are told not to cast our pearls before swine or give the sacred to dogs” (Bible Amplifier Matthew, George R. Knight). As Christians, we must make judgements about blatant and open sin. This is not being hypocritical, as in the case of the Pharisees. We must practice “moral criticism” as Jesus did. He judged the Pharisees, but in the interest of humanity, and guided by the law of love (Expositor’s Greek Testament). He judged the proud, pretentious, and cruel, in behalf of the weak and despised. It all depends on what we judge and why.