No, I am not advocating for expressing more shock than we actually feel, the classic definition of pearl-clutching, but I’m referring to what the Lord Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount: “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” (Mat 7:6).1 The “holy” is likely a reference to food offered in sacrifice to the Lord; the “pearls” make us think of precious things. Together, they seem to suggest that which is both holy and precious – the Word of God and the gospel of Christ. The fact that dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals does not seem to be the main point. What is primarily emphasized here is that both the dogs and swine are vicious, for they “trample” and “attack.” Thus, hostile hearers of the Word seem to be in view.
Our Savior’s words are a great reminder to us that we hold something of great value (the gospel), which is to be dispensed, but dispensed with discernment. Some people have no appetite for the precious things of God. There are times when our best response to rejection will be to move on with the gospel (see Mat 10:14), not trying to convince a belligerent, hostile unbeliever. There are other opportunities where time and energy can be more profitably spent. Take it as a closed door and pray for a further open door. Therefore, this text not only teaches us to be discerning in our evangelism but efficient.
This is also good advice for the Christian wife whose unbelieving husband grows bitter when she tries to share the gospel. But obeying this text does not mean he has no hope, for Peter writes, “Even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct” (1Pe 3:1-2).
There are examples of our text being carried out in the New Testament. When Paul was in Ephesus, he withdrew from the synagogue because his audience spoke “evil of the Way” (Act 19:9), and moved his gospel operation to the hall of Tyrannus. Our Savior practiced what He preached, refusing to speak even a word to unbelieving and hostile Herod (Luk 23:9). Clearly, there are times when we must sadly “clutch our pearls” and wait to share them with those who are more receptive.
A few words of caution in closing. One is that we don’t become perpetual pearl-clutchers, never sharing the gospel with anyone because they might reject it. Another is to not give up on someone too quickly simply because they reject it the first time. Remember that Christ is speaking here about hostility, not mere rejection. Finally, we must make sure we don’t give people a reason to be hostile. The fact that some might be nasty and harsh with us as we attempt to witness does not give us the right to respond in kind. The Golden Rule is just a handful of verses away from our text: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Mat 7:12). And in this same sermon we hear our Savior say, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (5:44). These are pearls of wisdom worth clutching and obeying.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the ESV.
