“Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs; otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.” —Matthew 7:6
This verse reminds me of Jesus’ words regarding the hypocritical Pharisee’s reaction to His teaching:
“Then the disciples came to him and said, ‘Do you know that when the Pharisees heard this saying they were offended?’ And he replied, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. Leave them! They are blind guides. If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.’” —Matthew 15:12–14
Who can help those who hate reproof? Who can heal and help those who refuse to be healed and helped? Jesus tells us we are to be passionate for God’s truth, yet that passion must be guided by discretion. We are not to go about giving instruction and counsel to those who are hardened and seek with pleasure to trample our words and tear us to pieces. Good counsel and reproof are sacred things and God’s ordinances are as pearls. Scripture tells us a fool avoids wisdom and understanding—always, sadly, to his own harm. A fool is his own worst enemy.
“It is an honor for a person to cease for strife, but every fool quarrels.” —Proverbs 20:3
“Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” —Proverbs 23:9
As believers, we are to manifest a correction of our culture rather than to be a reflection of it. We earn the right to be heard by what we do. When those around us see a life that talks like Christ, yet walks no differently than they do, there will be no kingdom impact. When our hearts are changed, our lives are to be changed.
“The good news of the gospel is not that God will provide a way to make life easier. The good news of the gospel, for this life, is that He will make our lives better. We will be empowered to draw close to God and to love others well and to do both for one central purpose, to glorify God, to make Him look good to any who watch us live.” —Larry Crabb
If we are not changed by the power of the Spirit, choosing rather to blend with the world, what kind of pathetic impact is that? Believers are to be different from the ways of the world! Sadly, God’s Word often falls on deaf ears and is met with argumentative mindsets even on hearts that are perhaps readied to hear the truth. Remember, wisdom is always proved right by what she does. If we truly believe God’s Word, our lives will reflect it.
Become More
“The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who listens to advice is wise.” —Proverbs 12:15
Further Reflection
“A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.” —Proverbs 17:10