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.
--Parallel verses:
Titus 3:8b-11
And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
What are the things in this world that last? Jesus describes these things here: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (I Corinthians 3:11-15)
If we understand this application, we are not to build things in this world that will be burned up as immaterial at the day of judgment, like wood, hay, or straw. Instead we are to build spiritually valuable assets — investments in people and God’s good work.
Fools focus on instant gratification — pleasure now with no thought of the future consequences. If we hang out with them and try to impress them, we will try to become like them over time. If we argue with them, we waste our breath. We are to speak truth initially, then if they reject it, then we do not socialize with them. These people have a warped mind that is focused on selfishness. Many times they argue and complain about not getting what they think they deserve, why things aren’t fair, etc. Instead of this, they should be looking for ways to serve and care for others.
To be wise, we must seek to please God and not fools. Don’t waste your breath or pearls of wisdom on fools. They will twist your words, try to malign you in the public square, and otherwise always selfishly look for an angle to get what they want, without any regard for any harm done to you.
Lord, thank you for these passages instructing us on how to interact, correct, and mostly avoid foolish people. Help me to focus on building Godly friendships that point me back to a deeper walk with you.
