Matthew 7:6
Verse
Context
Judging Others
5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.6Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs--savage or snarling haters of truth and righteousness. neither cast ye your pearls before swine--the impure or coarse, who are incapable of appreciating the priceless jewels of Christianity. In the East, dogs are wilder and more gregarious, and, feeding on carrion and garbage, are coarser and fiercer than the same animals in the West. Dogs and swine, besides being ceremonially unclean, were peculiarly repulsive to the Jews, and indeed to the ancients generally. lest they trample them under their feet--as swine do. and turn again and rend you--as dogs do. Religion is brought into contempt, and its professors insulted, when it is forced upon those who cannot value it and will not have it. But while the indiscriminately zealous have need of this caution, let us be on our guard against too readily setting our neighbors down as dogs and swine, and excusing ourselves from endeavoring to do them good on this poor plea. Prayer (Mat 7:7-11). Enough, one might think, had been said on this subject in Mat 6:5-15. But the difficulty of the foregoing duties seems to have recalled the subject, and this gives it quite a new turn. "How shall we ever be able to carry out such precepts as these, of tender, holy, yet discriminating love?" might the humble disciple inquire. "Go to God with it," is our Lord's reply; but He expresses this with a fulness which leaves nothing to be desired, urging now not only confidence, but importunity in prayer.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Give not that which is holy to the dogs,.... Dogs were unclean creatures by the law; the price of one might not be brought into the house of the Lord, for a vow, Deu 23:18 yea, these creatures were not admitted into several temples of the Heathens (h). Things profane and unclean, as flesh torn by beasts, were ordered to be given to them, Exo 22:31 but nothing that was holy was to be given them, as holy flesh, or the holy oblations, or anything that was consecrated to holy uses; to which is the allusion here. It is a common maxim (i) with the Jews, , "that they do not redeem holy things, to give to the dogs to eat".'' Here the phrase is used in a metaphorical sense; and is generally understood of not delivering or communicating the holy word of God, and the truths of the Gospel, comparable to pearls, or the ordinances of it, to persons notoriously vile and sinful: to men, who being violent and furious persecutors, and impudent blasphemers, are compared to "dogs"; or to such, who are scandalously vile, impure in their lives and conversations, and are therefore compared to swine; neither cast ye your pearls before swine. But since the subject Christ is upon is reproof, it seems rather to be the design of these expressions, that men should be cautious, and prudent, in rebuking and admonishing such persons for their sins, in whom there is no appearance or hope of success; yea, where there is danger of sustaining loss; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you: that is, despise the admonitions and reproofs given, and hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds; see Pro 9:7. The Jews have some sayings much like these, and will serve to illustrate them (k); , "do not cast pearls before swine", nor deliver wisdom to him, who knows not the excellency of it; for wisdom is better than pearls, and he that does not seek after it, is worse than a swine.'' (h) Vid. Alex. ab. Alex. Gaeial. Dier. l. 2. c. 14. (i) T. Bab. Temura, fol. 17. 1. & 31. 1. & 33. 2. Becorot, fol. 15. 1. Hieros. Pesachim, fol. 27. 4. & Maaser Sheni, fol. 53. 3. (k) Mischar Happeninim apud Buxtorf. Florileg. Heb. p. 306.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:6 Rabbis often referred to important ideas or Scripture verses as pearls. The mysteries of the Kingdom (13:11) are holy (see Exod 29:33; Lev 2:3; 22:10-16; Num 18:8-10). • Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy: Literally Don’t give the sacred to dogs. Jews often referred to Gentiles as dogs (see Matt 15:26; see Ps 22:16, 20) or pigs because those animals were unclean (Lev 11). Some interpreters understand this statement as warning that the message of the Kingdom would not be well received by many Gentiles. Others see it as a warning about offering the message of the Kingdom to the resistant Jewish leaders (see Matt 5:20; 10:11-14; see also Heb 10:29) or to unbelievers in general (see Matt 18:17; see also 1 Cor 2:13-16; 2 Pet 2:21-22).
Matthew 7:6
Judging Others
5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.6Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Personal Testimony
By Keith Daniel4.3K1:09:40TestimonyPRO 26:11MAT 6:33MAT 7:6ROM 6:16ROM 7:142PE 2:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted him after he had gotten into trouble, and the shame he felt. The speaker questions why he made the choices he did, attributing it to a weak moment of wanting to fit in with a crowd. The sermon emphasizes God's horror at seeing someone enslaved to sin and the destructive nature of going against one's conscience.
Sex and the Single Person
By John Piper3.0K43:07SexMAT 7:62CO 12:21EPH 5:3EPH 5:19COL 3:5HEB 10:25REV 9:21In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual temptation in society and offers counsel for those who struggle with it. The speaker encourages individuals to guard their eyes and ears from inappropriate content and to consciously redirect their desires towards Christ. He emphasizes the importance of using our bodies to glorify God and not to yield to sinful passions.
Casting Pearls Before Swine
By Rolfe Barnard2.5K56:15MAT 7:6MAT 22:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preparing hearts for the presence of God. He references 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, where it is stated that unbelievers and the unlearned can be convinced and worship God when they come into the midst of believers. The preacher emphasizes the need for God to manifest Himself in our services and for believers to be aware of His presence. He also shares a story of a boy who effectively used God's holy law to convict people and lead them to seek salvation. The sermon concludes with the challenge for the church to not settle for less than the best and to strive for a congregation that is unsatisfied with the status quo.
Ploughing a Rock
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K38:53PRO 26:11MAT 7:6MAT 13:15MRK 4:12LUK 8:18JHN 12:40ROM 10:16The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples of individuals who achieved greatness in their respective fields but ultimately found themselves unfulfilled and dissatisfied. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the gospel and the need for individuals to accept it in order to find true satisfaction. The preacher expresses frustration with those who refuse to accept the gospel despite repeated explanations and attempts to reach them.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
When the Saints Shout Hallelujah
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K46:08HellISA 42:8MAT 7:6ROM 3:23ROM 14:11REV 19:1In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a time when he and a pastor were going door-to-door in freezing weather to spread the word of God. Despite their exhaustion and lack of time for basic needs like eating and bathing, the pastor encourages them to rejoice in God's plan to bring all things under the rule of Jesus Christ. The speaker then shares a story of a banker who was convicted by the preaching and confessed to embezzling money. Despite being sentenced to jail, the banker finds joy in his newfound faith. The speaker also mentions the impact of his preaching on young people, with some expressing their desperation and others questioning the truth of his message.
Why Christ Died and God Raised Him From the Dead
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K39:41Christ's DeathMAT 7:6MAT 9:12JHN 17:2EPH 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of living a life ruled by sin, which leads to ruin and eternal judgment. On the other hand, being under the sweet and loving God as Lord brings joy and peace in this life. The preacher highlights that everything in this world belongs to God, and being right with Him is essential for true peace. The sermon also addresses the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and the danger of preaching a distorted version of the gospel, which has led to the decline of true evangelism and revival.
God Confirming His Word
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K56:32God's WordPRO 29:18ISA 11:9MAT 7:6LUK 8:5ROM 14:11GAL 6:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sinful nature and the need for Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God requires of us what we cannot achieve on our own, and without Jesus, we cannot escape God's wrath. The preacher expresses his disdain for the manipulative tactics used in evangelism and the watering down of the message of Christ in America. He shares a personal anecdote about a troubled young man who found hope and transformation through hearing the preacher's message. The sermon concludes with the reminder that all people are in desperate need of a Savior and that Jesus Christ is the only solution to our sinful condition.
What Is It to Accept Jesus? - a.w. Tozer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons1.1K37:46RadioEXO 20:8ISA 1:16MAT 5:10MAT 7:6JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He emphasizes the younger son's request for his inheritance and his subsequent wasteful living in a far country. The preacher highlights the son's descent into working with swine, which was considered unclean for a Jew. The sermon concludes with the preacher reflecting on the son's realization of his sinful lifestyle and his decision to return home. The preacher also criticizes those who preach a message of accepting Jesus without a change in lifestyle.
012 John Knocks Peoples Props
By David Servant1.0K07:43MAT 3:7MAT 3:11MAT 7:6JHN 8:32ROM 2:4ROM 6:1GAL 6:72TI 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching the true gospel message without compromise, focusing on repentance, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, and not relying on false beliefs or lineage for salvation. John the Baptist fearlessly addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees, urging them to repent and warning them of the wrath to come, highlighting the need for genuine transformation and not just outward actions. The message challenges preachers to confront deceptive beliefs and guide their audience to a true understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Solemn Thought
By Rolfe Barnard9351:03:20ISA 11:9JER 4:3JER 17:9MAT 6:33MAT 7:6PHP 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the severity of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. He challenges the audience to believe in the punishment of sin and the necessity of God's wrath. The preacher highlights the urgency for revival and for the church to prioritize preaching the gospel in its true form, focusing on the sinfulness of humanity and the exaltation of Christ. He calls for a genuine response to the gospel, rather than just going through the motions, and emphasizes the need for a deep conviction of sin in order to truly accept Jesus.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 26
By Zac Poonen63224:53ISA 50:4MAT 7:61CO 2:21CO 14:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of discernment in sharing the message of God, highlighting the need to give appropriate truth to individuals based on their spiritual level and readiness. It explores the significance of understanding the foundational truths of Christianity, such as Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, before delving into deeper teachings like the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon also underscores the need for prophetic insight and discernment in ministering God's Word effectively to address the specific needs of each person.
John 17
By Robert F. Adcock55643:39MAT 7:6MAT 28:19JHN 17:9JHN 17:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing communion and fellowship with God through prayer and reflection on the person of Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights the loneliness and sorrows that Jesus experienced during his time on earth, yet how God was glorified through his life. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize the voice of Jesus and approach his words with reverence and awe. The speaker also discusses the unity of believers and the power they have access to through Christ, urging them to delight in doing the will of God.
Jesus Training the 12 - Bill Mcleod
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons29136:23RadioISA 45:18MAT 5:10MAT 5:39MAT 5:41MAT 6:4MAT 7:6MAT 7:24MAT 10:14MAT 10:22MAT 10:32MAT 10:38MAT 16:24MAT 20:26MAT 23:13MRK 1:4MRK 1:15JHN 8:12In this sermon, Phil McLeod discusses the training of the Twelve disciples by Jesus. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the Earth as the theater of the universe and the place where Jesus came to be the light of the world. Jesus taught the disciples important principles such as fasting and giving in secret, building on a solid foundation, and preaching repentance. The disciples also witnessed Jesus performing miracles, reading people's minds, and raising the dead. Additionally, Jesus publicly condemned false teachings, a practice that is unpopular among preachers today.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
By St. John Chrysostom0JOL 2:25MAT 7:62CO 4:1John Chrysostom preaches about the ministry of mercy and renouncing hidden shameful things, emphasizing the importance of not fainting but rejoicing in God's loving-kindness. He highlights the need to preach Christ, not ourselves, and to serve others for Jesus' sake. Chrysostom explains how God's power shines through our mortal bodies, showcasing His greatness and the treasure we hold. He urges believers to marvel at God's power, which persuades the world to follow Christ, and to worship the invincible might of The Crucified for eternal salvation.
2 Peter 2:22
By John Gill0ApostasyNature of SinPRO 26:11MAT 7:6LUK 15:172PE 2:22John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:22, illustrating the profound truth of the proverb that likens apostates to dogs returning to their vomit and washed sows returning to mire. He emphasizes the filthy nature of sin and the irreclaimable state of those who turn away from the truth, highlighting that without a change in nature, they are doomed to revert to their former sinful ways. Gill draws parallels from Hebrew interpretations, reinforcing the idea that such individuals are trapped in their own defilement, unable to escape their sinful tendencies.
How Christians Should Behave Themselves Among Heathens
By Clement of Rome0MAT 7:6MAT 10:161CO 10:31PHP 2:15PHP 4:81TH 4:71PE 1:15Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinct and holy lifestyle when surrounded by non-believers, urging believers to be wise, harmless, and self-restrained in all their actions out of reverence for God. He cautions against engaging in activities that compromise one's faith or lead to dishonoring God, encouraging believers to be a shining example of righteousness and purity. Clement stresses the need for believers to stand firm in their faith, living in a manner that glorifies God and sets them apart from the ways of the world.
1 Peter 3:15
By John Gill0Readiness to Share FaithSanctificationISA 8:13MAT 7:6ROM 9:33HEB 10:231PE 3:15John Gill emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts, which involves recognizing and proclaiming His holiness rather than attempting to make Him holy. He explains that this internal sanctification is crucial for overcoming fear of men and is rooted in a childlike fear of God, grounded in faith and His promises. Gill also stresses the necessity for Christians to be prepared to give a reason for their hope in Christ, doing so with humility and reverence, and being knowledgeable about the foundations of their faith. This readiness to respond is not just for intellectual debate but is a reflection of one's relationship with God and understanding of the Gospel. Ultimately, believers are called to live out their faith authentically and be prepared to share it with others.
Day 43, James 4
By David Servant0PSA 90:11MAT 7:6MAT 7:15JAS 4:51JN 3:15David Servant preaches on James addressing false or backslidden believers, warning them of their unfaithfulness and enmity with God due to their worldly friendship, emphasizing the need for repentance and submission to God. He highlights the possibility of losing the Spirit within them if they continue in spiritual adultery. James also cautions against passing judgment on fellow believers, reminding us to be cautious not to speak evil of genuine believers and not to put ourselves in God's place as Judge.
Repentance From Dead Works
By Richard Owen Roberts0PSA 66:18PRO 9:7MAT 6:24MAT 7:6MAT 7:21JHN 4:24JHN 6:682CO 9:7HEB 6:1HEB 9:14Richard Owen Roberts preaches on the biblical demand for repentance, emphasizing the need to repent not only from sins but also from dead works. He delves into the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, highlighting how the shedding of Christ's blood purges our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Roberts challenges believers to examine their hearts, repent of dead works, and truly surrender to the Lordship of Christ, emphasizing that genuine faith and repentance are foundational principles of Christianity.
A Great Deception
By A.W. Pink0God's LoveDeception in BeliefsPSA 5:5MAT 7:6JHN 3:36ROM 5:82CO 6:14EPH 2:3HEB 10:26JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:19A.W. Pink addresses the widespread belief that God loves everyone, arguing that this notion is a deception that comforts those who are at enmity with God. He warns that proclaiming God's love to Christ-rejecters dulls their conscience and provides false security in their sins. Pink emphasizes that the love of God is a truth meant for the saints, and sharing it with those who oppose God is akin to giving what is sacred to those unworthy. He calls for discernment among believers regarding this popular yet misleading doctrine.
A Pearl of Great Price
By G.W. North0The Cross of ChristWisdomMAT 7:61CO 1:181CO 2:51CO 3:31CO 13:111CO 14:20GAL 2:20PHP 3:10COL 2:3JAS 1:5G.W. North emphasizes the tragedy of the Corinthians who, in their pursuit of wisdom, became carnal and misused spiritual gifts for selfish ends, leading to a hollow expression of faith. He highlights that true wisdom, represented as a pearl of great price, is unique and should not be debased by worldly desires. North teaches that to be a true Christian, one must embrace the crucifixion of self, as a crucified person is eternally alive in Christ. He warns that any wisdom or gifts not rooted in the power of the crucified Christ are ultimately ineffective and devoid of spiritual value. The sermon calls for a return to the understanding that true wisdom and power come only through the cross of Christ.
Day 196, 2 Timothy 3
By David Servant0MAT 7:6MAT 24:92TI 2:152TI 3:12TI 3:52TI 3:122TI 3:16David Servant preaches about Paul's warning to Timothy regarding the difficult times ahead in the last days, emphasizing the surge in humanity's rebellion and the impending wrath of God. As sin increases, Christians will face unique challenges and persecution, culminating in a world-wide movement against them under the antichrist's rule. Paul highlights the hypocrisy of those who hold to a form of godliness but deny its power, urging Timothy to avoid such individuals and emphasizing the inevitability of persecution for those who live godly lives.
No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement
By Thomas Brooks0JudgmentHolinessPSA 22:21ISA 11:7ISA 59:5EZK 22:27EZK 29:3MAT 7:6MAT 12:34REV 21:27REV 22:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He argues that just as various creatures symbolize different sinful behaviors, God has decreed that no unclean beings will enter His holy presence. Brooks asserts that heaven is a place reserved for the holy, and the presence of unholy individuals would be intolerable for the righteous. He concludes that the purity of heaven necessitates the exclusion of all who practice sin, reinforcing the idea that the eternal city is not meant for those with beastly spirits or practices.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs--savage or snarling haters of truth and righteousness. neither cast ye your pearls before swine--the impure or coarse, who are incapable of appreciating the priceless jewels of Christianity. In the East, dogs are wilder and more gregarious, and, feeding on carrion and garbage, are coarser and fiercer than the same animals in the West. Dogs and swine, besides being ceremonially unclean, were peculiarly repulsive to the Jews, and indeed to the ancients generally. lest they trample them under their feet--as swine do. and turn again and rend you--as dogs do. Religion is brought into contempt, and its professors insulted, when it is forced upon those who cannot value it and will not have it. But while the indiscriminately zealous have need of this caution, let us be on our guard against too readily setting our neighbors down as dogs and swine, and excusing ourselves from endeavoring to do them good on this poor plea. Prayer (Mat 7:7-11). Enough, one might think, had been said on this subject in Mat 6:5-15. But the difficulty of the foregoing duties seems to have recalled the subject, and this gives it quite a new turn. "How shall we ever be able to carry out such precepts as these, of tender, holy, yet discriminating love?" might the humble disciple inquire. "Go to God with it," is our Lord's reply; but He expresses this with a fulness which leaves nothing to be desired, urging now not only confidence, but importunity in prayer.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Give not that which is holy to the dogs,.... Dogs were unclean creatures by the law; the price of one might not be brought into the house of the Lord, for a vow, Deu 23:18 yea, these creatures were not admitted into several temples of the Heathens (h). Things profane and unclean, as flesh torn by beasts, were ordered to be given to them, Exo 22:31 but nothing that was holy was to be given them, as holy flesh, or the holy oblations, or anything that was consecrated to holy uses; to which is the allusion here. It is a common maxim (i) with the Jews, , "that they do not redeem holy things, to give to the dogs to eat".'' Here the phrase is used in a metaphorical sense; and is generally understood of not delivering or communicating the holy word of God, and the truths of the Gospel, comparable to pearls, or the ordinances of it, to persons notoriously vile and sinful: to men, who being violent and furious persecutors, and impudent blasphemers, are compared to "dogs"; or to such, who are scandalously vile, impure in their lives and conversations, and are therefore compared to swine; neither cast ye your pearls before swine. But since the subject Christ is upon is reproof, it seems rather to be the design of these expressions, that men should be cautious, and prudent, in rebuking and admonishing such persons for their sins, in whom there is no appearance or hope of success; yea, where there is danger of sustaining loss; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you: that is, despise the admonitions and reproofs given, and hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds; see Pro 9:7. The Jews have some sayings much like these, and will serve to illustrate them (k); , "do not cast pearls before swine", nor deliver wisdom to him, who knows not the excellency of it; for wisdom is better than pearls, and he that does not seek after it, is worse than a swine.'' (h) Vid. Alex. ab. Alex. Gaeial. Dier. l. 2. c. 14. (i) T. Bab. Temura, fol. 17. 1. & 31. 1. & 33. 2. Becorot, fol. 15. 1. Hieros. Pesachim, fol. 27. 4. & Maaser Sheni, fol. 53. 3. (k) Mischar Happeninim apud Buxtorf. Florileg. Heb. p. 306.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:6 Rabbis often referred to important ideas or Scripture verses as pearls. The mysteries of the Kingdom (13:11) are holy (see Exod 29:33; Lev 2:3; 22:10-16; Num 18:8-10). • Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy: Literally Don’t give the sacred to dogs. Jews often referred to Gentiles as dogs (see Matt 15:26; see Ps 22:16, 20) or pigs because those animals were unclean (Lev 11). Some interpreters understand this statement as warning that the message of the Kingdom would not be well received by many Gentiles. Others see it as a warning about offering the message of the Kingdom to the resistant Jewish leaders (see Matt 5:20; 10:11-14; see also Heb 10:29) or to unbelievers in general (see Matt 18:17; see also 1 Cor 2:13-16; 2 Pet 2:21-22).