“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine…” — Matthew 7:6
“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” — Proverbs 11:22
Both verses teach the same sobering truth: value is lost when it is placed where it is neither understood nor honored. Jesus warns that holy things can be trampled when offered to hearts that despise them. Solomon reminds us that beauty, truth, or wisdom — without discernment — becomes wasted, even mocked. The problem is not with the pearl or the jewel. The problem is with the recipient. God calls His people to discernment, not harshness — wisdom in knowing when to speak, how to speak, and to whom.
Samson and Delilah (Judges 16)
Samson possessed a God-given calling and supernatural strength, yet he repeatedly revealed holy things to an unholy heart. Delilah had no reverence for what God was doing — only curiosity and greed. In time, what was sacred was betrayed, and Samson paid dearly. A jewel placed without discretion became a tool of destruction.
Jesus Before Herod (Luke 23:8–9)
Herod questioned Jesus at length, hoping to see a miracle — but Jesus answered him nothing. Why? Because truth offered to a mocking heart would only be abused. Silence was wisdom. The Pearl remained guarded. Even Christ knew when not to speak.
— Not every listener is a learner
— Not every question is sincere
— Not every open mouth is an open heart
God’s truth is precious. Handle it with prayer, humility, and discernment. Holy things belong in holy hands — and receptive hearts. Wisdom knows what is valuable. Discernment knows where to place it.