One of the birthstones for the month of June is the
pearl. Amazingly, Pearls are
found inside living creatures such as oysters, clams and mussels. However,
pearls are primarily found inside oysters. They are produced inside these
living creatures as a way for them to protect themselves from foreign
substances. “Of the 8,000 or so
species of oysters, only about 20 of those are able to constantly produce
pearls.” Because of this, the formation of a large beautiful and perfect
natural pearl is an unlikely event making the price of pearls extremely valuable.
In the book of Matthew chapter seven, Jesus is
quoted as saying,” Do not give that which is holy to the dogs, nor cast your
pearls before the swine, least they trample them under their feet and turn
around and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6 HBFV). The word pearl, as it is used
here is a metaphor for godly wisdom. By its definition wisdom is “the quality
of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
It is the attribute of being wise.” Thus, wisdom is relatively important to all
humanity because it reflects what we value in life.
Now that the month of June is here it brings joy to
the hearts of students from elementary grade school to college. No one can doubt that these students have waited
with anticipation for their summer break away from the classroom to begin. Summertime
calls ones attention to swimming pools, picnics, tire swings, summer vacations and
a time to run wild and free. It is also a time many “throw their pearls to the
swine,” and cast their wisdom to the side while electing to do foolish things
and make unwise decisions.
Life teaches us that some choices we make turn
around and make us. Meaning, some of our good
choices have resulted in a happy marriage, a great job, and deep personal
satisfaction. Some of our poor choices have resulted in destroying a marriage,
losing a job, and suffering shame and reproach. During the summer months, instead of having fun some youth choose to steal a
car, rob a house and do things that can cause them a lifetime of trouble. They end up in jail and instead of
having a great summer, they end up with a record they wound rather not have. Some may even have to kiss their scholarships
goodbye. We all have a choice, pray that you will choose to hold on to your pearls this summer. Use your common sense and make wise decision. Pray
also for godly wisdom as you have fun this summer. And remember, “Do not cast your
pearls before the swine, least they trample them under their feet and turn
around and tear you in pieces.”
Jacqueline
