“Pearls Before Swine”: Why Knowing When (and Where) to Share

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There’s a curious little phrase tucked into Scripture that has timeless relevance in our everyday lives:

“Do not cast your pearls before swine…” (Matthew 7:6)

At first glance, it might sound a bit harsh. But when you dig into the heart of the message, it’s wisdom wrapped in discernment. It’s not about judging others—it’s about recognizing the value of what you carry and using wisdom when sharing it.

Let’s break it down with some real-life examples.

1. The Over-sharer at Work

Imagine you’ve just had a breakthrough in your personal growth journey. You’ve learned how to set healthy boundaries, prioritize your mental health, and you’re excited! So you decide to share this joy with a few co-workers in the break room. But instead of encouragement, you get eye rolls, sarcastic comments, or worse—gossip behind your back.

What happened?

You shared something precious—your personal growth journey—with people who weren’t in a place to appreciate or respect it. That’s casting pearls before swine. It’s not that those people are “bad,” but they’re not the right audience for your pearls.

2. Helping Someone Who Isn’t Ready

Maybe you've been mentoring someone who keeps coming back to you with the same life issue—bad relationships, poor choices, avoidable drama. You’ve offered sound advice more times than you can count, but nothing changes. Eventually, you realize they don’t really want help; they just want someone to listen to their complaints.

What now?

There’s a fine line between being supportive and enabling. Continuing to pour your time, energy, and wisdom into someone who isn't ready to receive it is exhausting and ineffective. That’s another form of casting your pearls before swine—offering value to someone who doesn’t recognize or want it.

3. Posting Deep Truths on Social Media

Let’s say you have a powerful story of redemption, healing, or transformation. You feel led to share it online, but the comment section fills up with cynicism, arguments, or mocking.

Should you stop sharing your story? Not necessarily.

But maybe it’s about how and where you share it. A safe space like a support group, a one-on-one conversation, or a platform filled with like-minded individuals might be more fruitful. You wouldn’t toss your grandmother’s heirloom necklace into a parking lot, right? Your story is a pearl—share it where it will be cherished, not trampled.

So, What Are Your Pearls?

Your wisdom, experiences, talents, time, and even your vulnerability—all of these are pearls. They hold value. They were shaped through pressure and process. And not everyone will understand their worth.

This isn’t about being stingy or prideful. It’s about knowing when to speak and when to hold back. It’s about stewarding your gifts wisely and recognizing that not everyone has the capacity—or the heart—to appreciate them.

Final Thought:

Jesus wasn't telling us to be judgmental—He was teaching us to be discerning. Some things are meant for sacred spaces and safe hands. It’s okay to hold back until the soil is right. Until the hearts are ready. Until the moment is meaningful.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted to give away something precious, ask:Is this the right person, the right time, and the right place?Your pearls deserve honor. Don’t be afraid to protect them.

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Canena Adams, MA, BSW, SRAS

Communications Professional & Leadership Coach

Wife | Mother | Writer | Author | Public Speaker | Social Worker | Business Owner | Nonprofit Founder & Director | Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist | Healthy Family & Relationship Advocate | Blogger | Podcaster | Adjunct College Prof. | PhD Student | And more...