Posted on 06/20/2022 7:29:19 AM PDT by metmom
“‘Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces’” (Matthew 7:6).
It is clear from this verse that Jesus doesn’t exclude every kind of judgment—here He commands a specific type. But to obey His command, you need to know who the dogs and swine represent.
In biblical times dogs were largely half-wild mongrels that acted as scavengers. They were dirty, greedy, snarling, and often vicious and diseased. No responsible Jew would ever throw to a dog a piece of holy meat that had been consecrated as a sacrifice in the temple. Since no man was allowed to eat this meat, how much less should it have been thrown to wild, filthy dogs.
Swine were considered by the Jews to be the epitome of uncleanness. Like the scavenging dogs, those swine were greedy, vicious, and filthy.
Dogs and swine represent those who, because of their great perversity and ungodliness, refuse to have anything to do with the holy and precious things of God except to trample them under their feet, turning and tearing God’s people to pieces.
Jesus’ point is that certain truths and blessings of our faith are not to be shared with people who are totally antagonistic to the things of God. Such people have no appreciation for what is holy and righteous. They will take that which is holy, the pearls of God’s Word, as foolishness and an insult. We need not waste God’s holy Word on those who both reject it and mock it.
Ask Yourself
What are some specific situations in your own daily experience where the wisdom of this statement really comes into play? What should you watch for in others to see whether they’re perhaps becoming receptive to Christ and His Word? Until then, what’s the best way to stay true to your faith in their presence?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
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Studying God’s Word ping
Great post Metmom! Glory to God and his word!
Sharing God’s word with the profane and God haters is not a waste, IMO. It’s not like it’s being used up and you’ll run out later for someone who needs and appreciates it.
Jesus consorted with the tax collectors and prostitutes, those who based on outward appearances, were not receptive to God’s word.
IMO, I think Mac Arthur is off base here. We cannot decide who is ready to hear God’s word or not. I don’t think it’s our place to determine if someone is receptive or not.
I know too many people who were antagonistic to hearing God’s word and yet later came to Christ because of it. Sometimes the antagonism is a self-defense mechanism and the person is truly under deep conviction of sin.
Been there, done that. I am glad nobody gave up on sharing God’s word with me when I reacted poorly to hearing it in mockery and derision.
Even the nicest, best trained modern doggy still has no clue about sanitation or decorum. People who resemble dogs (ok, except young children) have no place in your life.
I do not enjoy keeping company with some people socially. I will do what I can when I interact with them, but don’t enjoy it.
At that point, I look at it as a ministry.
I guess it’s like the parable of the net and fish that Jesus gave. Cast the net wide and then let God sort them out.
We are only responsible to share, not for the results.
Also, sharing online is different too. One can share with someone who isn’t receptive, but other peopl,e Wil, read the posts, and we don’t know who might recall the posts later and become saved. The Spirit lighteth where it will..
I have known that to happen right here on FR.
I will just mention thoug that christ did say to not even sit down and support with an angry man (likely because you risk wanting to be liked by the person, or not eant o offend them in order to just avoid their explosive tempers etc and so values will,be compromised possibly-) it also states to shake the dust off the sandals if they wont accept the word. So there are those concepts too to consider. Do we keep on? Or do we back off?
We try and let the Lord direct us as to when to shake the dust off.
I think the warnings about associating with certain types of people are for those who call themselves Christians who don’t live like it.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
The verse about not sitting down with an angry man is talking about the world’s angry folks I believe. We are to,be I. The world but not of. So we have tk have dealings with angry people, but we don’t have to befiend them.. we aren’t judging them, we are using wise discernment when we decide who to avoid supping with. We don’t condemn them- so we are not judging them. God judges.
I hope some have. I am not,aware of them if they have, but I’m sure some have. Posts can be written to someone, but efen years, ater can e the cause of salvation for someone else. I know,i,tend to get caught up,in speaking to a person specifically, and forget that it can have far reachi geffects for others later on.
Here is the verse and commentary
“Verses 24, 25. - Another tetrastich. Make no friendship with an angry (irascible) man. Have no close intercourse with a man given to fits of passion. And with a furious man thou shalt not go. Avoid the society of such a one. The reason follows: Lest thou learn his ways; his manner of life and conduct. “
https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-24.htm
Keep your immunity up, and them away from your children. ;-)
Except literal dogs, of course !
There is a point where it becomes wasted words.
The key is knowing when and where to share those words and when to keep your mouth shut.
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