Give Not That Which Is Holy

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6)

Some folks take a more literal reading of this verse. When Jesus says, “Give not that which is holy…” they think in terms of things, like the bread and wine of the Holy sacrament of the Eucharist. Don't give Holy things to sinners and apostates.

But a careful examination of the New Testament shows the Greek word for holy, “hagios” is almost always in reference to the Holy Ghost or to a person. In fact, often times the word hagios is transliterated into English as being “saint” when talking about a follower of Christ.

For example, “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1). The word saint comes from the Greek, “hagios”.

With that in mind, is Jesus suggesting that we are to keep the Holy Ghost and Christian’s away from the “dogs” and the “swine” and all of the evil that's in the world?

No, of course not.

The great commission as given by Christ which concludes the Book of Matthew states that we are to:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus commands us, (this is not a suggestion) to spread His Holy Word, to teach it to everyone and to baptize people in the name of the Holy Trinity.

We are commanded to engage the world with Christ and to baptize them into salvation of those who freely and willingly accept Christ as their Savior.

But with that said, the Bible is very clear as to whom we are to associate with.

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

But let Matthew 7:6 serve as a warning, a preparatory bit of advice, if you will. Do not be surprised or dismayed when you bring something Holy to someone if they attempt to rend you or trample you underfoot. The devil will always react adversely and usually quickly to anything Holy.

Jesus has the answer.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” (Matthew 10:14)

Shake their sinful dust off of you and keep on keepin’ on!

Bill Hitchcock