"Cast your pearls before swine"

As I understand it, and as an example, is just like sharing the word of God to a drunk person. Your discussion would only end up to naught.

 

In His Grace, I don't believe this verse is talking about witnessing at all, since there is nothing about the Gospel or evangelism in the context. You are probably more right with your second paragraph.

I believe as long as someone will listen, we are to witness to "every creature." As soon as we, the witnesses, start deciding who not to witness to, we may miss someone in whose heart the Holy Spirit is working. I'm sure you have heard, as I have, of someone who seemed hostile to the Gospel but later got saved.

Here in Japan, I consider much of what I do to be seed planting. There are few that really want to hear, but often when I witness or give a tract out or invite someone to church and get turned down, I think either, (1) I've planted a seed and some day it may germinate, or (2) this person has had their chance, like God intended, and they are without excuse. I may have to testify against them at the Great White Throne Judgement, but I did my part and obeyed the Great Commission.

God bless.

 

Given verses 1-5, we are to clean up our own life before we try to fix someone else's. However, when we can see clearly "to cast out the mote out of our brother's eye", it would be wise for us to notice those who are not going to listen and not to "cast our pearl before swine".

 

So, PrimePower7, how do you reconcile this with the Great Commission, which commands us to witness to "every creature?"

 

Preaching the gospel and straightening out someone's shortcomings are two different things

 

Okay, so if I have it right you were simply commenting on the passage itself and not on its meaning for witnessing, as the OP was mentioning.

God bless!

 

Roger that!

 

I agree with PrimePower 7 . When you start to witness to a person and that person puts up any resistance STOP do not "cast pearls before swine" Our witness truly is pearls because it is the word of God . To go on and insist on witnessing to someone who is not in the least bit interested, it is to cast pearls before swine. I have in the past been guilty of this, today however if I get any resistance I stop quickly and go to someone else.

 

I wish telemarketers would learn that concept....

"I'm not interested"
"Well, I'd have to have a crystal ball to know when you were....We have a great offer..

Click!

 

I agree. I think John had some great points and I am glad people didn't stop showing me the Gospel. I think In His Grace has it right, we shouldn't stop, but we should do it in the right manner.

 

Yes. I know some too, who, if they meet someone who starts questioning them, will assume that the person just wants to argue and will not continue talking to them. Id much rather talk with them as long as they have some real questions that I can answer. They might not get saved right then, but I believe Ive done a little planting and perhaps the next witnesser that comes along will be able to see that person come to know Christ. Thats also why I always try to leave a door open for future witnessers.

 

Well said, bapmom.

 

After carefully considering the text where Jesus speaks of, casting pearls before swines, I have come to a personnel oppinion that Jesus when speaking of pearls, it does not necessarly speak to salvation.

A pearl is a presious gem. There is many precious gems (meat of the Scriptures,weightier doctrines which pertain to after salvation.

Swine I believe represents the lost world...therefore I believe that when Jesus "dont cast pearls before swines...He might have meant that you should not discuss the meat (precious pearls pertaing to the believer, to the lost.....when the main message they need to hear is "The Message of Salvation"

Of course this is just my humble oppinion. But its food for thought.

Arkie Pastor

 

I've always made a "deal" with Jehovah Witnesses when they come a-calling. I'll listen to their speil IF they promise to listen to ME for 10-15 minutes, or longer if they desire. When my turn comes, I carefully witness to them, using my experiences in dealing with cult members,SILENTLY CALLING FOR HELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. Usually, it goes in one ear & out the other, but if it sows one seed of doubt in one's reliance upon the Watchtower....