King Hezekiah must have been tempted to give in to fear. The Assyrians were threatening and taunting the people of Jerusalem. They especially made fun of their belief that the God of Israel would protect them. Hezekiah's faith and his fervent prayer is shield enough, for God reassures him that they will not be harmed, and indeed they are rescued from danger. When we are threatened or fearful, there is the temptation to do foolish things in order to protect ourselves. But faith and fidelity to our spiritual principles are far more effective. Those are the moments when faith becomes a reality rather than a mere idea.

These two proverbs about giving what is holy to dogs or casting pearls before pigs are meant to be humorous, and are not about any particular group of people. They remind us not to force our spiritual understanding on those who are not prepared to receive it. In our spiritual enthusiasm we can sometimes be too insistent with others, perhaps trying to pressure them into seeing things our way. They might not be at a place in their journey where it will be helpful to them, and they may reject it. And our zealousness might anger and hurt them - perhaps they will set their minds against ever receiving it. The proverbs remind us to trust the Holy Spirit! The best invitation for our way of life is to observe the Golden Rule that Matthew gives us - it is present in all the world's religions.