I have to confess that I was glad God gave me Psalm 51 to talk about last week (3/14/2024). The rest of the sermon on the mount has some challenging teachings in it and I couldn’t quite wrap my head around how to delve into it. I think I’m ready now, so here we go.
The last time we were here, we looked at Matthew 7:1-5, about using good judgment on ourselves first and others. Then we come to this:
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” - Matthew 7:6 ESV
At first read, this almost seems like a non sequitur. What does this have to do with the previous paragraph or what comes after? Well, I think it has to do with the balance we must maintain as Jesus’ disciples. When necessary, we are to lovingly correct our brothers and sisters. using the truth of God’s word.
But this requires wisdom and discernment about what to say and when to say it. Not everyone wants to hear the truth about their own conduct or ideas. Sometimes, he really like his opinion and doesn’t want to be shown that it doesn’t match Scripture. Sometimes, she’s enjoying what I’m doing and don’t want to admit that it’s sinful. In those times, it’s hard to try to show someone their error because they won’t receive it. They’ll just get angry with you for “judging” them (which takes us back to Matthew 7:1). It’s better to save our words until they’re ready to listen.
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. - Proverbs 9:7-8 ESV
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. - Proverbs 23:9 ESV
So if I’m concerned about how someone is walking with the Lord, what do I do? I should pray that God will give me the right words at the right time. If they absolutely refuse to listen and go on the attack, I can stop, at least for the time being. There’s no sense in trying to have a conversation with someone who just wants to argue with me. Understanding this can lift a great weight off my shoulders. If I’m truly following the Lord in situations like this, sharing His word with truth and love, I’ve done my part. I’m not responsible for how others respond.
It can be really hard to step back; we all want to have others accept that we are just trying to help. But, in situations like this, it can be more helpful to stop arguing, to stop throwing my pearls to pigs, and to pray about the situation.
Think About: How do you respond when someone tries to point out your errors?
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