Matthew 7:1-6
Judging Others
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.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
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 turn and tear you to pieces.
Jesus in His command of do not judge others, He puts in at the end of this teaching: “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 turn and tear you to pieces...
Jesus uses dogs and pigs as metaphors for those who are spiritually insensitive and unreceptive to the gospel, and those who will not follow the gospel...In ancient times, dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals...In Jesus' culture, being called a dog or a pig was a great insult...It's like offering something precious to someone who will only appreciate and want it...Dogs and pigs were often associated with pagan rituals and were seen as symbols of impurity...So we are not to 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...
Jesus' warning about casting pearls before swine suggests that the gospel should not be presented to those who are unwilling or incapable of receiving it...We can easy believe that certain truths and blessings of faith should not be shared with people who are opposed to God...In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, the verses are a reminder to cling to God's Sacred and Holy and precious things, and not to devalue them by using them for worldly goals...
In summary, Jesus use the imagery of dogs and pigs to represent those who are spiritually insensitive or unreceptive to the gospel...The teaching suggests that it is not productive to try to present the gospel to those who are unwilling or incapable of receiving it...The concept of not judging others and not casting pearls before swine are both related to the importance of wisdom, discernment, and respect in our interactions with others...By applying these principles, we can more effectively share the gospel and build relationships with people who are open to the message...