What did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine?

"Do not cast your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6) means to avoid wasting valuable spiritual truths or good things on those who will not appreciate or even mock them. It's about discernment and not exposing sacred things to those who would trample them. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• The Context:

  This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he discusses how his followers should live and interact with others. 
• The Meaning:

  • "Pearls": represent valuable spiritual truths, the gospel, or holy things. 
  • "Swine": represent those who are unappreciative, hostile, or who will mock and reject the message. 
  • "Cast": means to throw or expose. 
• The Application:

  • Discernment: The verse encourages followers to be wise and discerning about who they share their faith with. 
  • Respect for the Gospel: It suggests that not everyone is receptive to the gospel, and it's wise to avoid wasting effort by sharing it with those who will only ridicule it. 
  • Avoiding Mockery: The verse warns against exposing valuable things to those who will trample them and potentially harm you. 
  • Not a condemnation of people: This verse is not a call to judge or condemn people who reject the gospel, but rather a reminder to be wise in how we share the message. 
• Practical Implications:

  • Don't waste your time: If someone is clearly not receptive to your message, it might be better to focus your efforts elsewhere. 
  • Be mindful of your audience: Consider the context and the people you are speaking to before sharing your faith. 
  • Don't be discouraged: Even if some people reject the gospel, that doesn't mean you should stop sharing it with others who are receptive.