Out of the verses here mentioned, verse six is one that requires our most attention. However, we do need to observe the first five verses to give balance to what we are about to say. There are four types of people mentioned in this series of verses.
Initially, we have the one who wants to judge other people but has a beam in his own eye or shortcomings that should have been addressed. We have those who fall under the scrutiny of judgment by he who would judge. These people have a beam or shortcoming in their own eye unaddressed but should not be mentioned until the first person takes care of his own shortcoming.
Then, in verse six we have those who need guidance about when and how to offer the gospel message. Finally, we have those that are in question whether or not they should be offered any message of the gospel because of their own character.
Jesus insisted that it’s not up to any person to judge another because we all have sin, we all have shortcoming. The significance of these comments from our Lord (verses 1-5) is with what attitude, perception, and authority anyone could dare condemn some person it is not in their know-how by self-righteousness. If we presume to designate another person for judgment that also implies that the other person will receive whatever punishment is needed. We are not to judge because we will be judged with what judicial intent will ultimately be laid on ourselves.
Verse six deserves are particular attention. Dogs of the ancient world were not pets but vicious animals that roamed about. Swine were considered unclean by the Mosaic Law and not to be eaten. By referring to dogs and swine, Jesus is indicating those people we meet in society who are on the outer rim of the gospel reception. We are admonished to witness to the world. Even so, we must exercise a certain amount of discrimination in detecting people who display characteristics of hostility preferring an evil life instead of a sinful life. That which refers to giving to the dogs is probably not sharing the meat that is intended only for the priests. By referring to the swine, we are talking about people who maliciously attack the gospel as is tredging it in to the mud.
Casting pearls before swine is an indication of futility as one would witness. We must honor the gospel to the point that some who hears will not trample the precious word with mockery or hostility. To do so could make us vulnerable to attacks that degrade any intentions. It is quite possible for the person who wants to witness who could find themselves on the defensive from persons as the swine characteristics. All in all, we must be careful that we are led by the Holy Spirit when we speak words in behalf of our Lord which could appear invasive from the dog or the swine. We are to be a witness to everyone while, at the same time, exercise discernment before we speak.
