The phrase “don’t throw pearls to swine” is an idiom that means you shouldn’t offer something of value to those who won’t appreciate it. It refers to not wasting precious things on those who don’t recognize their worth.
The phrase comes from the Bible, specifically Matthew 7:6 which states: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” In other words, don’t offer something precious (pearls) to those who will not value it (pigs).
Origin and Meaning
The original phrase comes from the King James version of the Bible. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus is preaching the Sermon on the Mount and warning his followers not to share holy things with dogs or pigs. Dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals in ancient Jewish law. The deeper meaning is that you shouldn’t waste your time and energy on people who won’t appreciate it or treat things with care and respect.
The pearls represent something precious and of great value. They require time, care, and effort to produce. Pigs, on the other hand, cannot recognize the value of pearls. If you gave pearls to them, they would trample over them in search of food, not caring that they were destroying something precious.
So the phrase means you shouldn’t offer something of value to those who won’t cherish it. Don’t expend energy on people who don’t deserve it or share deep thoughts and emotions with those who will not treat them with care. Know when to walk away from relationships or situations where your gifts are unappreciated.
When is it applicable?
Here are some examples of when the phrase “don’t cast pearls before swine” might apply:
– Sharing an original poem with someone who doesn’t appreciate poetry or literature. They may dismiss it or mock it rather than recognizing the time and talent it took to write.
– Giving thoughtful advice to someone who doesn’t listen or take advice well. They may get angry or reject wise counsel rather than benefit from it.
– Putting a lot of work into a presentation or proposal for someone who won’t value the effort. They may skim over it quickly without care for the details.
– Confiding your deepest feelings or most personal stories with friends or partners who violate your trust and spread secrets.
– Offering a heartfelt gift to someone who doesn’t reciprocate or seem to care. They may not appreciate the meaning behind it.
– Trying to reason with someone who is unwilling to have a thoughtful, nuanced debate. They may resort to fallacies, insults, or anti-intellectualism.
So in essence, the phrase cautions against wasting time, energy, emotions, or talents on people who won’t cherish them. It’s about guarding your pearls closely and being careful who you share them with.
Examples in Literature
The phrase “casting pearls before swine” shows up in many works of classic literature, usually to convey the idea of misplaced offerings:
– In John Steinbeck’s novel The Pearl, the main character Kino finds an enormous pearl that he hopes will provide a life of comfort for his family. Instead, the pearl only brings greed and envy from others. When his son is killed, Kino returns to the ocean and throws the pearl back, having learned it had no value to the swine-like people around him.
– In Oscar Wilde’s play Salome, Herod asks for a dance from Salome and offers her anything she desires in return. She asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod realizes then that she did not appreciate his genuine offer and laments “you were not worthy of it. You did not know how to value it. Pearls before a swine, that is what you have done.”
– In Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Revelation,” smug and self-righteous characters have their flaws exposed, revealing them as swine not capable of appreciating the narrator’s gifts and counsel. She finally understands “I’m not giving them nothing”, having realized her pearls were misplaced.
Similar Idioms
There are a few other idioms that convey a similar meaning to “don’t cast pearls before swine”:
– Don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs – Don’t offer advice to someone who knows much more than you or try to tell an expert how to do their job. Don’t waste your breath giving obvious or condescending advice.
– Don’t burn your bridges – Don’t damage or destroy your relationships through reckless actions. Don’t lash out at people or mistreat them in ways you may regret later when you need their help.
– Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth – Don’t examine a gift or favor too critically. Don’t try to find flaws in generosity or look for ulterior motives in a gesture of good will.
– Don’t spit into the wind – Be aware of how your actions will affect you. Don’t take actions that are likely to backfire, have unpredictable consequences, or cause self-harm.
When to keep your pearls
While it’s generally wise not to offer pearls to swine, there are a few caveats where you may still want to extend gifts, words, or deeds:
– If it’s a close relationship that merits effort and patience. You may gently persist in hopes the person will eventually come to appreciate your pearls.
– If you have abundance to spare. What may seem precious to you may not be so hard to replenish, so you can afford to share freely.
– If you act from compassion rather than any expectation. Kindness for kindness’s sake is its own reward.
– If you believe people have potential to grow and change. Someone who seems like a “pig” today may recognize pearls tomorrow if you give them a chance.
– If you feel it’s a moral duty. Speaking truth to power, protecting victims from injustice, and other noble causes may require casting pearls even if they’re not appreciated.
So discernment, wisdom, and checking your motives helps determine when “pearls before swine” applies versus when it’s better to keep sharing your gifts with the world. The key is not closing yourself off, but rather being strategic in how and where your talents are offered.
How to know if someone will appreciate your pearls
Since you don’t want to completely withhold your pearls, how do you tell who is swine versus who might actually cherish what you offer? Here are some signs to look for:
– Do they show gratitude when you’ve shared advice, gifts or confidences in the past? Have they reciprocated kindness?
– Do they have a track record of integrity and caring for others? Swine are more selfish and self-serving.
– Are they open listeners who seem to consider different perspectives? Swine are more close-minded.
– Do they admit when they’re wrong or ignorant? Swine are more arrogant.
– Are they curious and interested in learning? Swine tend to lack curiosity or thirst for growth.
– Do they ask thoughtful follow-up questions about your pearls, hoping to understand their full value? Swine don’t look deeper.
– Do they safeguard sensitive information or gifts you’ve offered? Swine often exploit and take for granted.
– Do they offer pearls in return when they can? Swine don’t reciprocate.
Using these criteria can help you discern if someone is genuinely capable of appreciating gems versus those who will trample and destroy them. Proceed cautiously until you have a sense someone is not swinish at heart.
How to deal with swine
If you come across people who clearly fit the pig archetype, here are some tips:
– Don’t get viscerally angry or lash out. They feed on drama and outrage. Respond with detached calm.
– Don’t bend over backwards trying to appease or please them. Swine take advantage of givers.
– Don’t over-invest time or energy. Swine eagerly take what you offer while giving nothing back.
– Don’t share personal details or trust them with big secrets. Swine use information carelessly.
– Don’t expect gratitude. Swine take even your kindest gifts for granted.
– Don’t take their behavior personally. Swine act according to their nature, which says nothing about your value.
– Do state your needs clearly and set firm boundaries. Swine dismiss subtle hints or polite requests.
– Do say “no” firmly when asked for more than you want to give. Swine will take all they can get.
Learning to identify and set boundaries with swine is essential to preserving your peace of mind and pearls. You alone get to define what is precious and who deserves to experience your gifts.
The benefits of being choosy
While being overly stingy with your gifts is not ideal, there are good reasons to be choosy about sharing precious parts of yourself:
– You avoid wasting pearls on those who don’t cherish them
– You gain time and energy to invest in relationships that reciprocate
– You keep your sanity and happiness by limiting interactions with swine
– You can thoughtfully mentor those willing to learn and grow
– You inspire respect by demonstrating you value yourself and your pearls
– You become a positive example of discernment to others
Avoiding the pitfalls of over-giving to swine allows you to extend your influence, passion, and talents in ways that meaningfully ripple out into the world. Your judiciousness ensures what you cast will land on fertile ground.
Wisdom in Discernment
In summary, “don’t cast pearls before swine” is timeless wisdom about being careful what you offer to whom. But it requires discernment, not blanket cynicism. The subtle art is in learning to spot the swine so you don’t handicap the potential of your gifts. With care, you can avoid squandering effort and treasure while still making a difference where it matters most.