Use Discernment when Correcting Others

“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

What is the meaning of Matthew 7:6?

Matthew 7:6 should be read in the context of the preceding verses (Matthew 7:1-5), which caution against judging others. In this passage, Jesus is teaching his followers not to be critical and judgmental towards others, but to focus on their own faults and areas for improvement. By focusing first on our own errors, we are more likely to enter into conversations with others with humility and grace and avoid being judgmental or self-righteousness.

But there are times that even when we approach others with the right attitude, they are unreceptive to the teachings of the Bible.

In verse 6, Jesus gives an additional instruction, "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."

Jesus is warning his followers not to share spiritual insights with those who are not receptive. "Dogs" and "pigs" were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture, and using them as symbols for unrighteous or uninterested people was a common way of speaking in that time.

Matthew 7:6 is a cautionary tale about the importance of being wise and discerning in how we share our faith and values with others. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” (John 6:44). God is ultimately the one who draws us into a relationship with himself. If someone is hostile to the truth of scripture, sometimes our best approach is to be silent and pray, asking God to do the heavy lifting.

Scripture for Correcting One Another in Love

While we are to avoid self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes with others, the Bible doesn’t say that we are never to correct others. We should use discernment when correcting others with scripture, with the purpose of building one another up in love. Here are a few scripture verses that teach us how to correct one another in love:

1. "Reprove one another, if anyone is caught in a sin. You who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." - Galatians 6:1

2. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." - Colossians 3:16

3. "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." - James 5:19-20

4. "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." - Proverbs 27:5-6

It's important to remember that correcting one another should always be done with love and care, and with the goal of helping the other person grow and improve, rather than tearing them down or judging them harshly.

Questions for Reflection

1. How have you experienced the love and care of others as they have corrected you in the past? How did their attitude impact your ability to receive and learn from their correction?

2. In what ways do you struggle to correct others in love and with a spirit of gentleness? How might you grow in this area, and what steps can you take to become more effective in correcting others in a way that builds them up?

3. Do you trust God to draw people to himself? How can you be more intentional to incorporate prayer into your relationship with others?

Prayer of the Day

Dear God,

I come before you today, acknowledging my tendency to judge others and to criticize their actions and choices. I confess that I have often looked down on others and thought myself superior to them, rather than showing them the love and compassion that you have shown to me.

Help me to remember that I am a sinner in need of your grace and mercy, just like everyone else. Help me to follow the example of Jesus and to extend grace and forgiveness to others, even when they do things that I don't understand or agree with.

Teach me to use discernment when correcting others, and to do so with love and care, rather than with pride or self-righteousness. Help me to remember that my goal in correcting others should always be to build them up and to help them grow, rather than to tear them down or to make myself feel better.

I pray that you would give me the wisdom and discernment to know when it is appropriate to share your truth with others, and to do so in a way that is respectful and loving. Help me to trust in your guidance and to be persistent in sharing your love and grace with others, even when they are not receptive or respectful at first.

I pray all of this in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

For Further Reflection

Bible Verses about Judgment