The Proclaimer

Dealing With "Dogs" and "Hogs"

Jesus says, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6).  And yet, Peter writes, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).  Does Peter contradict the teachings of Christ?

To answer this, consider what the wise man writes, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Prov. 26:4, 5).  It’s interesting that these two statements, which at first appear to be contradictory, are recorded side-by-side.  But is there a contradiction? 

First of all, we must understand what the use of the term “fool” means. The word is not referring to someone who is merely simple-minded, but to someone unwilling to see the wisdom of God’s will and His way; one who is unconcerned with spiritual matters.  The apparent “conflict” comes in how to respond to two such individuals; one is to be “answered,” the other is not.  It is clear that the wise man is teaching that not all situations are equal, that is, there are times when the one opposed to God’s will should be answered and other times when he should be ignored.

The child of God should be prepared to answer all questions and respond to the challenges of all those who legitimately ask about our hope and convictions. Such individuals deserve our response.  At the same time, there are those that are not honest in their inquiry and are simply trying our faith.  There are also those who intend simply to ridicule us as we answer their illegitimate question. These individuals deserve to be ignored.  We must decide when to do what in each isolated situation.

Jesus often faced inquiries, some legitimate and some not.  For instance, on one occasion the chief priests and elders asked Him, “By what authority are You doing these things?  And who gave You this authority?” (Matt. 21:23).  Often when He was asked a question by those dishonest in the asking, Jesus would respond to their question with a question.  This is such a case as He asked, “The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men” (v.25).  These Jewish leaders realized their dilemma. If they said from men they feared the people who believed John to be a prophet.  If they said from heaven, why had they not been baptized.  So they simply said, “We do not know.”  Having proven themselves dishonest, Jesus refused to answer their question.

Consider also the situation when Jesus was taken before Herod Antipas on the night of His betrayal.  As you recall it was Herod who had beheaded John the Baptist at the request of Herodias, and in so doing had proven himself to be easily manipulated and clearly unconcerned about what was right.  Therefore, when Herod “questioned Him with many words” Jesus knew that such a man would be unconcerned with the truth of the matter, therefore, “He answered him nothing” (Luke 23:9).

May God help us to identify the “dogs” and “hogs” and separate them from those legitimately searching for truth.  May He help us to know when to respond and when to be silent.

                                                                                                 -- Clark Dugger

The Proclaimer