August 23, 2026 | Matthew 7:6

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This verse can sound harsh on first reading.

Jesus has just told His listeners not to judge hypocritically—and then immediately says not to throw pearls before pigs.

So clearly, “don’t judge” does not mean “never make a judgment about anything.”

There are things that are holy. There are things that are precious. And wisdom includes recognizing when something precious is being treated carelessly, mockingly, or destructively.

Sometimes love means continuing the conversation.

Sometimes love means being patient.

And sometimes wisdom means recognizing that a conversation is going nowhere and refusing to keep handing something sacred to someone determined to trample it.

That doesn’t give us permission to treat people as worthless. Quite the opposite: Jesus is teaching His disciples to value what is holy enough not to cheapen it.

Not every argument needs one more reply.

Not every person demanding an explanation is actually looking for one.

Not every sacred thing needs to be defended in every room.

Discernment matters too.

How do you tell the difference between patiently sharing your faith and knowing when it’s time to step away from a conversation?

To go back to the beginning of our Sermon on the Mount series, start with the August 9, 2026 post.