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GUARDING YOUR PEARLS

"The Art of Discernment in Sharing Your Valuables and Trust"

By JOHN U. ORDILLOPublished 9 months ago 4 min read
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GUARDING YOUR PEARLS

"The Art of Discernment in Sharing Your Valuables and Trust"

Introduction:

"Guarding Your Pearls: In a world where valuables and trust hold great significance, exercising discernment in sharing is crucial. This brief exploration will dig deeper into the art of preserving what's precious, be it material possessions, personal information, advice, or emotional vulnerability. Join us as we navigate the path to fostering meaningful relationships and safeguarding what truly matters."

The phrase "Don't give your pearls to the swine" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a cautionary message. It's a proverbial saying with a metaphorical meaning. The phrase is derived from a biblical passage found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of:

Matthew 7:6:

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

The underlying meaning of this saying is to be cautious about sharing valuable things with people who cannot appreciate or understand their worth. It advises against sharing something of great value with those who are unlikely to recognize or respect its significance, and instead, it suggests saving such precious things for those who can truly appreciate them.

In a broader context, it can be applied to situations where you have something valuable, whether it's material possessions, personal information, or even advice and knowledge. You should be discerning about who you share it with, as not everyone will treat it with the respect it deserves. It's about being wise in choosing whom to trust and who will genuinely appreciate what you have to offer.

Let's delve deeper into the broader context and various scenarios where the phrase "Don't give your pearls to the swine" can be applied:

1. Material Possessions:

When you have valuable or expensive items, it's essential to consider who you lend or entrust them to. If you lend your expensive camera to a careless or irresponsible person, there's a higher risk of it getting damaged or mishandled. Similarly, if you loan money or valuable items to someone who has a history of not repaying debts or not taking care of borrowed items, you might end up losing both your possessions and your trust in that person.

2. Personal Information:

In the age of digital communication and social media, sharing personal information can be risky. Not everyone online is trustworthy or has good intentions. You should be cautious about what you share, especially when it comes to sensitive information like passwords, financial details, or personal secrets. Sharing such information with the wrong people could lead to identity theft, blackmail, or other harmful consequences.

3. Emotional Vulnerability:

Being emotionally open and vulnerable is important to building strong relationships. However, not everyone deserves your emotional vulnerability. Sharing your deepest feelings and emotions with someone who is not empathetic or understanding can lead to hurt and emotional damage. It's essential to confide in caring, supportive, and trustworthy people.

4, Professional Advice and Knowledge:

Sharing your expertise, professional advice, or knowledge with others is valuable, but it should be done judiciously. For example, if you're a consultant or mentor, you might encounter clients or mentees who do not appreciate your guidance or undervalue your expertise. In such cases, it's important to recognize those who genuinely seek and respect your input and focus on helping them, while being cautious about others who may not value your efforts.

5. Time and Energy:

Your time and energy are precious resources. Be mindful of how you invest them in various relationships and activities. Some people might constantly demand your time without reciprocating or appreciating your efforts. Surround yourself with individuals who respect your time and are willing to give back in return.

6. Trust and Loyalty:

Trust is a fundamental element of any relationship. Giving your trust to someone who has shown themselves to be untrustworthy or disloyal can lead to disappointment and betrayal. Be careful about who you place your trust in, and let it be earned over time through consistent actions and behavior.

Conclusion:

"Don't give your pearls to the swine" encourages discernment and wisdom in sharing valuable aspects of your life with others. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the worth of what you possess, whether it's material possessions, personal information, emotional vulnerability, professional expertise, time, or trust. Choose to share these aspects of your life with people who will genuinely appreciate and respect them, fostering healthier and more meaningful relationships in the process.

Written by: John U. Ordillo

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About the Creator

JOHN U. ORDILLO

M.A. in Pastoral Administration Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries

Former Jr. Planner/Design Engineer Norconsult Telematics Saudi Arabia

Former Outside Plant Engineer Saudi Engineering Group International

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