Avoid Casting Your Pearls Before Swine (Origin, Meaning, Examples)

What does avoid casting your pearls before swine mean? We all are god’s creation and have been blessed with kindness as nature in us. In some people, it’s in a hidden form that only shows up when needed, while others are just so kind that it shows up on their faces. 

When we see someone in pain or in need of help, this nature of ours urges us to help that person in need. And in turn, expects other people also to provide help when we are in need. Contrary to this, if that person is cruel enough, he/she doesn’t help us in our time and forgets our kindness. 

This idiom has been given by Jesus and written in the bible for such thankless and ungrateful people. 

What is the exact meaning of idiom ‘cast pearls before swine’ according to the Bible?

There is an important saying by Jesus never share your precious thing or valuable gift with undeserving, thankless people. They will just never understand your greatness and would trample your precious gift under feet when time comes. 

 This sentence has been extracted from an important speech by Jesus to his disciples. Though rather harsh, this one-word speech teaches us a lot. 

Origin of the idiom

Jesus administered several important speeches to his disciples, one them being ‘Sermon on the mount.’ This line is one of the teachings of that particular speech. 

Here Jesus refers ‘Swine’ as ‘ungrateful people’, who would never give value to your sacrifice, contributions to them, or your help.

‘Pearl’ is referred here as your most precious gift, whether it be a thing or an advice to that ungrateful person. A gift which is too precious for us and has been given as a help to another person.

What are some well-known examples of the Biblical idiom “never cast your pearls before swine”? 

There are different ways this sentence can be inculcated in our daily life. Some common examples from daily life are: 

Some common conversations: 

Father: Thou shan’t make the mistake of helping your newfound friend, who was once a bitter enemy of yours and has already backstabbed once. 

Son: But we have already patched up now and have been good friends. 

Father: It’s your wish whether to listen or completely ignore it, but this might lead to repentance this in the future. I am rather casting a ‘pearl Before Swine’ 

Few more writing samples from the internet: 

He expressed his love towards her, but all in vain, as it was a mere casting pearls before black swine. 

I don’t want to lend money to Rahul anymore because he never appreciates it. I don’t want to cast pearls before swine. 

It’s clear that he is casting pearls before swines by his godly deeds – his children won’t listen. 

Other relatable idioms

There are several other ways an idiom as popular as this can be added to your sentences. Let’s have a look into some popular ways you can use this proverb differently: 

1) Preach to deaf ears 

2) Talk to a wall 

3) Do it in vain