We are here directed not to cast pearls before swine (Matt. vii. 6) and
not to expose things sacred to the contempt and ridicule of profane
scoffers. It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of divine
things; but, 1. There are some that will make a jest of every thing,
though it be ever so prudently and pertinently spoken, that will not
only despise a wise man's words, but despise even the wisdom of them,
that in them which is most improvable for their own edification; they
will particularly reproach that, as if it had an ill design upon them,
which they must guard against. 2. Those that do so forfeit the benefit
of good advice and instruction, and a wise man is not only allowed, but
advised, not to speak in the ears of such fools; let them be foolish
still, and let not precious breath be thrown away upon them. If what a
wise man says in his wisdom will not be heard, let him hold his peace,
and try whether the wisdom of that will be regarded.