Page 3 - July 2025 - Truth & Tidings

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

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