Matthew 7:6 KJV

  

Everyone is not to be placed in the category to be reproved.   Here, Jesus is concluding his sermon on the mount and speaking to his disciples, yet, his words can be considered as a rule for direction to preaching the gospel; not in the manner to not preach the gospel to anyone or all who were wicked and profane for, (Christ himself preached to all); publicans and sinners alike.  In this scripture "dogs" and "swine" refer to people who are enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection.  Such enemies of the gospel are to be left alone, (see Matt. 15:14).  One example of such a person was Herod Antipas, who heard John the Baptist gladly, (see Mark 6:20), and then Herod had John beheaded (see Matt. 14:1-12).  Later when Christ stood before Herod, He said nothing, not a word, (see Luke 23:8-9). At this point Herod Antipas became a "dog" or a "swine".

The scripture reference is to such that after they heard the gospel that they would find obstinate after the gospel was preached to them.  It was to such, sinners, publicans, unbelievers, corrupted minds, hard-hearted, and the like, to abstain from a life of blasphemy of the gospel, a life of persecuting the preachers who were preaching it, or, was there yet, a continuance in their sinful lifestyles after they heard the gospel.  The scripture states: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine.   This is where you make a sound decision not to spend much time among such, for it would be lost labour.  Acts 13:41, says; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare I unto you.  This is the time to turn to others, who will gladly receive and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

One rule to follow in giving reproof is the word of wisdom in the zeal displayed against sin, and must be given in discretion.  Take caution to give guidance, instructions, counseling, and comforts to those who are considered hardened scorners, to whom it will certainly do no good, for that will be most likely enraged at you.  To give that which is holy unto dogs and cast your pearls before swine's will be resented for they will think you threw the stone directly at them.  Reproof will be called reproaches, for they profess hate and despise reproofs of instruction.

The Gospel is holy, good counsel is holy, reproof is holy, a pearl is holy, godly love is holy, therefore, those of a deep pitch of wickedness, or notoriously vile will not accept the ordinances of God.  These are precious as fine gold, as one wise reproves; As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear, ( Proverbs 25:12).  Reproofs of instruction are ill bestowed upon such, and leave you the reprover exposed to all their contempt, rage and mischief that may come from a dog or swine into such great valuables .  The expectation is that they will trample the reproofs under their feet, in scorn of them, rage against them, and they will turn again and rend (to tear apart, split, divide in pieces) the reprover’s good names with their reviling, return to them their wounding words, and rend  them with persecution.

Herod rent John the Baptist for his faithfulness, (Mark 6:14-29).  We must be very cautious to whom we condemn to be dogs and swine’s, and not to do it until after the trial and until all the evidence is gathered against the "dog" or "swine".   All dogs are not wicked and all swine’s are not corrupted.  It is plain that God has determined to destroy such that have hate for reproofs, counsel, the gospel and an open opportunity to receive that which is holy, (read 2 Chronicles 25:16 KJV).   Those who choose to be openly wicked and full of profane acts against that which is holy; waste not to give that which is holy unto the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine’s, for they will see and render it contemptible unto them.  We must take heed of calling the good, bad; and the bad, good; out of desperation and anger. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ is very tender regarding the safety of his people, and he will not allow them needlessly to expose themselves to the fury of those that will turn and rend them.  We are His precious jewels of whom he does protect.

sablack/jhb