Contradiction In The Bible Explained: Turning the Other Cheek vs. Not Throwing Your Pearls to Swine Faith Walk Blogs©️👩🎓✍️🙏💙💜
Contradiction In The Bible Explained:
Turning the Other Cheek vs. Not Throwing Your Pearls to Swine
Faith Walk Blogs©️👩🎓✍️🙏💙💜
The Bible is often perceived as contradictory, but when we seek God’s wisdom, we see His Word is perfectly harmonious. One such perceived contradiction is found between Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and His instruction not to “throw your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). How do we reconcile these verses? How do we practice forgiveness while also discerning when to walk away?
Turning the Other Cheek – A Call to Forgiveness and Humility
Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:39 states:
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
At first glance, this verse seems to instruct believers to passively accept mistreatment. However, Jesus is not advocating for weakness; He is teaching a radical form of strength—choosing grace over retaliation. To “turn the other cheek” is not about letting people trample over us but about rising above offense, refusing to return evil for evil, and leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19).
Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle when He was beaten, mocked, and crucified. He did not lash out but instead said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness is central to the Christian walk because it reflects God’s mercy toward us.
However, does this mean we must tolerate ongoing abuse, manipulation, or mistreatment? That’s where the second verse comes in.
Not Throwing Your Pearls to Swine – The Call to Discernment
Matthew 7:6 states:
“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.”
Here, Jesus warns against offering something valuable to those who cannot appreciate it. Just as pearls are precious, our time, energy, and wisdom are valuable. While we are called to love and forgive, we are also called to walk in wisdom (Proverbs 4:7).
For example, if someone repeatedly mistreats us, abuses our kindness, or refuses to acknowledge their wrongdoing, Jesus is not commanding us to continue offering ourselves as a target. Instead, He tells us to use discernment—there is a time to forgive and a time to walk away.
An Example in Modern Times – A Story of Change
I recently watched a YouTube video titled Keanu Reeves Goes Undercover, Heartbroken by Black Worker’s Paycheck Struggle/Acts of Kindness. The video told the story of Keanu Reeves witnessing an act of prejudice and mistreatment by a manager toward an employee. Keanu used his influence to have the manager fired.
What if, after his firing, the manager turned to God, repented, and realized his actions were not of God? What if he humbly went back to that restaurant, not with arrogance or bitterness, but with a contrite heart? Imagine him apologizing to the employee he had once bullied, seeking not only human forgiveness but the forgiveness of God. That would be a true transformation—a testimony of grace.
This is the difference between turning the other cheek and throwing pearls before swine. The employee, if he were a Christian, could forgive the manager in his heart, releasing bitterness. But he would not have been required to continue suffering under the manager’s abuse. Similarly, the manager’s repentance would not erase the consequences of his actions, but God’s mercy would still be available to him.
God’s Plan for Prosperity – A Biblical Perspective
Some preachers teach that God’s blessing is primarily about material wealth. While God does provide for His children, true prosperity is much deeper than physical possessions.
Jeremiah 29:11 states:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on good things:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
God wants us to prosper, but this does not mean He is a divine ATM. True prosperity includes:
1. Peace – The ability to rest in God’s presence without fear.
2. Health – Spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
3. Joy – Contentment regardless of circumstances.
4. Wisdom – The ability to make godly choices.
5. Faith – Trusting in God’s provision over material wealth.
6. Harmonious Relationships – Living in peace with others.
7. Eternal Rewards – Treasure stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
The Bible speaks of restoring what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), but God’s restoration is not always in material form. Sometimes, He restores broken hearts, fractured relationships, or lost time.
While we can enjoy financial blessings, our main focus should always be our relationship with God. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). If wealth comes, we use it for His glory; if it does not, we still trust in His goodness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom in Your Word. Help us to understand the balance between forgiveness and discernment. Teach us when to turn the other cheek and when to walk away from those who trample on what is sacred.
Lord, we pray for those who have wronged us. If they repent, may we extend grace. If they remain in darkness, help us release them into Your hands.
We trust in Your plan for our prosperity. Whether through peace, health, wisdom, or provision, we acknowledge that every good gift comes from You. Help us to focus not on material wealth, but on our relationship with You.
We surrender our lives to You, knowing that true wealth is found in Your presence. May we never treat You as a vending machine but as our Lord and King.
This prayer is sealed and confirmed true by the sacred Name of Jesus and the Blood of the Lamb. Amen.
In Gods Holy Grace
When storms arise, and trials stay,
I look to Jesus—my Light, my Way.
Not bound by wealth, nor silver, nor gold,
But by the love that makes me whole.
I turn my cheek, yet guard my heart,
With wisdom strong, I do my part.
For pearls are precious, truth is light,
And God alone directs my sight.
He gives me peace, He makes me whole,
His Spirit rich within my soul.
No treasure here could e’er compare,
To love divine beyond compare.
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Numbers 6:24-26
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The Savors Prayer and Accepting Jesus as Your King and Savior
"Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life.
I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
In Your Mighty Name Jesus,
Amen, Amen, Amen
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Your Word says in Isaiah 53:5,
“By His stripes, we are healed.”
The 10 Commandments Reminder
Here are the Ten Commandments, as listed in the Bible (specifically from the Book of Exodus 20:1-17, and also found in Deuteronomy 5:4-21):
You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourselves a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above or on the earth below. Remember money and stuff is only stuff, not God. When you leave this earthly life it gets left behind.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and mother. Don't take on their divine lessons God presents them with. They may have been a pain in the butt sometimes but remember it works both ways! They are part of our "Faith Walk" and we are part of theirs. We can't save them, only God can, however healthy boundaries are self loving. Sometimes we have to love them from a distance and accept their apology they never gave us. If you need a prayer to help you forgive and follow this commandment. I can help you with that so please reach out. faithwalkministries777@outlook.com
You shall not murder. This includes lies and slander where you destroy someone's reputation.
You shall not commit adultery. This includes looking at another that you aren't married to in any inappropriate way.
You shall not steal. If you steal anything, no matter how small, you are giving out the vibration to Abba Father of lack and that's what you will get more of!
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, or possessions.
Be blessed my friend.
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Let us walk in gratitude, faith, and reverence for all that God has given us—both today and in the legacy of those who came before. May our hearts be filled with thankfulness for every moment, knowing that every blessing, big or small, is a reminder of His everlasting love.
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