Where exactly does the "tossing your pearls to the swine" statement come from?

Question

I have heard that used to promote spiritual laziness but I can't say that I've ever heard where(or even if) it comes from the Bible. Can someone give me a scriptual reference on that? (I wanna justify my sloth, too)

well this has been enlightening and disappointing. I thought someone would excuse my lack of interest in giving to the needy since that's how its always been portrayed to me. But I did have to question that on the basis that I didn't recall Jesus ever giving excuse to neglect those in need. Well it was a shot.

Seriously thx for the answers and the reference. Absolutey astounding insight in the two answers from Theo and Lorene. Thx again all.

Answer 1

this from from the Bible In Matthew
It tends to be used to make the point that we should be careful in how we dispense the truth and to whom, because those who aren't responsive to it (who don't even recognize what it IS) will not only not appreciate it and receive it, but will mistreat it. People often use the expression to warn us not to 'waste our breath' or effort on those who despise it and aren't willing to hear the truth.


This saying originates with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6 (in the Sermon on the Mount). The whole verse reads:

(A) Do not give dogs what is holy,
.....(B) and do not cast your pearls before swine,
.....(B) lest they trample them underfoot
(A) and turn to attack you.

Note that there is a poetic structure in which the first and lines go together ('the dogs. .. turn to attack') and the middle lines

What we have here is a PAIR of pictures making the same basic point, so each helps to interpret the other.

First, note that "dogs' and "pigs" are not just "those who don't appreciate or understand" --though it DOES include that. Rather, in Jesus's culture (Jewish) these were the two premier 'unclean animals' which a good Jew would absolutely avoid to stay kosher. Symbolically they were very far away from God, and just the OPPOSITE of holy. (Jews at times used these terms, esp. dogs, to refer to the Gentiles, esp to those that utterly rejected the God of Israel.) Also, the dogs in that culture were not pets, but 'wild dogs', hostile and dangerous; pigs likewise could prove rather unfriendly.

So Jesus is concerned with those who REJECT the holy things of God. And the people of God, knowing this, are to exercise care not to allow God's holy things to be mistreated. Since Jesus elsewhere compares the 'kingdom of God' about which he taught to a "pearl of great price" and since "the holy things of God" might be used to refer to the teachings ("sacred oracles") of God, Jesus may be specifically be warning his disciples to take care when they preach the gospel (thus offering people 'the pearl of great price') to those who show no willigness to hear it, but will belittle the truth and even attack its messengers. (In the case of the 'pigs' the image may be that the pearls appear to them no different from pods of food, but are treated as worthless when they prove inedible.)

Answer 2

Matthew 7:6

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

This passage has nothing to do with slothfulness. It has to do with what you do with that which is holy.

You might relate that to this forum. You quote a Bible verse and you will have some that would tear you limb from limb if you were in the same room with them. So, sometimes, I really do this, but I have to say to myself, 'is there someone out there who will be blessed by these scriptures'. And it is usually those who call themselves 'the intellectual'.

One of the things we must remember is we do not save anyone, only the Holy Spirit covicts someone to salvation.
If you are ahead of the Holy Spirit, it may fall on closed ears.

grace2u

Answer 3

MT 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces

many Christians create there own meaning for this verse. Usually about not teaching non believers that already dont believe in the doctrines they wish to teach.
I have also heard Christians use this verse in reference to giving money (what is sacred and vowed to God) to people who are just going to use you.

The meaning is not given in the bible, as usual it was way to hard for them to 'speak plainly'
And 2 verses before that one we have
MT 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
*******************************
EDIT
For those of you who claim this verse is speaking about bible verses to REAL unbelievers, shame on you. At the time this verse was written, the new testament was not circulating as 'Holy Scriptures' and not all of it existed, and the 5 books of Moses were considered the Holy law books. And some of the prophets were considered special.
To say the writer of 'Mathew' was referring to the 66 books of the bible is just plain ridiculous. This is taught by christian leaders to the flock so the sheep do not open themselves up for cross examination which could then lead to true insight. To keep them preaching and not being critical concerning their beliefs (no wonder there is so much division amongst christians). Paul said study to show your self approved. Jesus says "Blind leading the blind". Quoting bible verse like they are just superbly magical is fantasy thinking. No wonder many christians(not all) just quote bible verses, they clearly have no knowledge of their own. Its sad.
. Are people meant to be converted to 'Bibleism'?
If there is anything to that verse its most probable the writer was talking about TRUTH & INSIGHT of sorts, like what I am imparting to you now.
Anyway, I am done casting my pearls before swine.
:) joking
peace

Answer 4

The reference, as shown above is Matthew 7:6. The pearls is the gospel, Jesus is telling His disciples not to press it on those who are not ready to hear it.
(sorry it doesn't justify sloth. I have the same problem)

Answer 5

It comes from Ancient times, before discovery of Gold and Silver and many other metals.

Pearl was the currency of the day and anything that is worth that much should not be thrown to the pigs. Pigs were always found in dirty places in those days (hasn't changed much)

The saying comes from the context of the day

Answer 6

New Testament.

I have it underlined.

It's not spiritual laziness -- you can't teach people unless they are ready to learn and actually know the basics already.

If you are in the fifth grade and I try to teach you quantum mechanics -- it's stupid; you'll never learn.

And the pagans believe "when the student is ready -- the teacher appears." I believe in that too.

Answer 7

What a wonderful blessing to see all the AWESOME folks come to your help. (the prayer worked) Do explain the sloth detail. There are some ideas that immediately come to mind, but tell us from the sloths,...er....um....horses mouth.

Answer 8

This verse cannot be read alone; it must be read with the rest of the chapter. What is the rest of the chapter talking about? "Do not judge others." Perhaps "tossing your pearls to the swine" means that one should not *judge others*!
Otherwise, the verse looks like something has been added out of context.
.

Answer 9

Matthew 7:6
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

Answer 10

Casting pearls before swine....it means to try to convince an unbeliever who is headstrong against the bible