Give not that which is holy unto the dogs.
Prudence necessary in conversing upon religious subjects
I. The bad characters and dispositions of some; men here represented by the allusion of “ dogs” and “ swine.”
1. We may be sure they are unworthy the powers and dignity of human nature. There are in their character-
(1) Stupid impunity;
(2) Stubborn forwardness. They snarl at admonitions.
2. How deplorably human nature is capable of being corrupted.
3. Watch against all tendencies towards the beginnings of these evil dispositions.
II. The necessity and reasonableness of treating the affairs of religion with caution and prudence in our conversing with others.
1. Since we know that sacred things are so liable to be abused by profane persons.
2. That it may be attended with bad consequences of ill treatment to ourselves-“lest they turn again and rend you.” (J. Abernethy, M. A.)
The dogs and the swine
The lesson is one of reverence and discretion.
I. As to the preaching of the gospel.
II. As to statements of spiritual experience.
III. As to the admission to sacred privileges and functions in the Church. (D. Fraser, D. D.)