The information is there
Lately, I've received a lot of information from different sources about how to live my life better. For example, I should invest in real estate vs. the stock market for my retirement. In addition, I should eat fewer processed foods and return to a whole-food menu. Further, they tell me that if I want to live longer, I should exercise at least half an hour a day and go to sleep by 8:30 p.m. As a result, I take in a lot of information to process and determine which new idea I should consider. Likewise, which information should I dismiss?
I know many of us are trying to do the right thing for ourselves and our families. Consequently, we can become overwhelmed with information and do nothing. In other words, we just get frozen in our tracks and dismiss the opportunity to try something new. Subsequently, this happened to me occasionally, and I became curious. What is actually happening to me when I get new information? As I opened my mind to this question, a phrase popped into my mind: pearls before swine.
The term "pearls before swine" comes from the Bible, specifically the New Testament. It appears in the Gospel of Matthew, in a passage known as the Sermon on the Mount.
Do you Understand
The exact wording differs slightly depending on the translation, but the core message remains the same. In the King James Version (KJV), it's phrased as: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6)
Here, the idea is that pearls represent something valuable, while swine (pigs) are seen as creatures who wouldn't understand or appreciate their worth. So, casting pearls before swine is like offering something valuable to someone who wouldn't recognize its value and might even destroy it.
Atitudes
Over time, the phrase evolved into the more commonly used form "cast pearls before swine," which means offering something of value to someone who won't appreciate it. As a result, I understood that some information, although interesting, had no meaning or appreciation for me. So, I have my answer: either I need more time to be ready for the information, or it doesn't suit me. Trust in myself is vital.
Now I better understand the term pearls before swine. Meanwhile, what was the meaning behind the information shared by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount? Let's find out.
The Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7), is considered one of the most influential teachings in Christianity. Delivered by Jesus Christ on a mountainside of the Beatitudes, a hill in northern Israel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It is a cornerstone of Christian ethics and a blueprint for honest living.
Truth
The Sermon opens with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that redefine happiness. Most importantly, Jesus challenges conventional notions of worldly success, instead declaring blessed those who are poor in spirit, mourn, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness, and insulted for his name (Matthew 5:3-11). As a result, these blessings establish new values, prioritizing spiritual wealth, compassion, and inner peace over material possessions and worldly power.
Meanwhile, following the Beatitudes, Jesus delves deeper into the core principles of his teachings. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling, rather than abolishing, the Jewish Law (Matthew 5:17-20). Jesus then elevates ethical standards by condemning anger, lust, adultery, divorce, and oaths, urging his followers to go beyond the outward act and address the root cause within the heart (Matthew 5:21-37).
Above all, the Sermon advocates for non-violence and forgiveness. Jesus instructs his followers to turn the other cheek when struck and to go the extra mile when compelled (Matthew 5:38-41). Consequently, he encourages love for enemies and indiscriminate kindness, mirroring God's love for all (Matthew 5:43-48).
Support is Key
Central to the Sermon is the Lord's Prayer, a model for communication with God. Jesus emphasizes avoiding outward displays of piety and encourages sincere, private Prayer (Matthew 6:5-8). Moreover, he teaches about trusting God's provision and avoiding anxiety about material possessions (Matthew 6:25-34).
Therefore, the latter sections of the Sermon focus on judgment, righteousness, and the importance of deeds over words. Jesus warns against hypocrisy and urges his followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). He emphasizes seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that other things will be provided (Matthew 6:33).
The Sermon on the Mount concludes with a powerful metaphor: building one's house on rock versus sand. Those who hear Jesus' words and put them into practice are building on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-27).
The Sermon on the Mount's lasting influence lies in its revolutionary message. It challenges societal norms, emphasizing inward transformation, compassion, and love for all, even enemies. It remains a call for a life centered on God, ethical conduct, and service to others.
Wait, what?
In summation, you can either hear and apply the message or the information will lay in front of you with no material meaning. As always, the choice is yours.
If you partake, enjoy your St. Patrick's Day celebration! By the way, he had a reputation for his piety.
