Daily Success
Institute in Basic Life Principles

Command 16 : Do Not Cast Pearls | Day 109

Discern "Pearl Tramplers"!

If we cast our pearls before swine, the pearls will be trampled underfoot, and then the swine will turn and try to destroy us. We do not usually think of pigs as ferocious animals, but the swine that Jesus referred to would have been wild scavengers--unclean animals according to the Levitical Law.

In the ancient Hebrew understanding, a pearl refers to "wise sayings" such as those in the book of Proverbs. These "gems of wisdom" are precious and need to be valued and wisely used. Solomon warns, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words" (Proverbs 23:9).

God wants us to love everyone, which is why we must learn how to respond wisely to wrong attitudes.

The Hebrew language includes five different words that are all translated in English as fool. Great insight can be gained by understanding their precise definitions.

  1. A Simple Fool (pethiy) is extremely vulnerable and believes everything he is told. He is without knowledge, is easily seduced, and will suffer consequences for following foolish advice. He desperately needs the instruction of a wise mentor.
  2. A Reactionary Fool (eviyl) is thickheaded. He believes his own way of thinking is always right, and his mouth gets him into trouble. Arguing with him is useless because he will learn only through punishment. It is important that his authorities be aware of his activities.
  3. A Silly Fool (keciyl) has rejected the wisdom of God and is arrogantly set on doing what brings immediate pleasure. He glories in things he should be ashamed of. His motives and methods are subtle, and close association with him should be avoided because of his capacity to lead others astray. He needs serious reproofs.
  4. A Scorning Fool (luwts) rejects the rules and mocks those who make them, embracing that which is an abomination to God. He initiates contention and division. A person who tries to correct him will suffer for it. He should be avoided and requires severe discipline from his authorities.
  5. A Committed Fool (nabal) is proud and self-confident. He is his own god and seeks to gratify his lower nature. He is dedicated to drawing others into his wicked ways and teaching them to do greater evil. We should have no association with him; instead we should pray for God to change his heart.

A "pearl trampler" may be outwardly pleasant and congenial, but in his heart he rejects God's control of his life.

Scripture states, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Unsuspecting parents have allowed their sons and daughters to "fellowship" with foolish friends, not realizing that their children are being exposed to great spiritual danger. Parents should not only seek to protect their children, but also should train them to discern and wisely respond to different types of fools. May the Lord give each of us the wisdom and discernment to recognize and respond to "pearl tramplers."

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine ...” (Matthew 7:6).

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Contributing writer: Bill Gothard