The measuring, mote, and beam are all analogies to teach the principle that God judges us as we judge others. There is no similar connection in this verse with those preceding it nor with the one that follows. This verse stands by itself. Its structure parallels verse 5, where a single statement is supported by two examples. Verse 6 describes giving two items to an animal, potentially resulting in one of two undesirable consequences: the animal may “trample” the gift or may attack the giver. What is being given, and why the caution against the animal turning on us?
The verse mentions two gifts: “that which is holy” and pearls. Pearls we understand. “That which is holy” refers to food offerings on altars. In both cases, something valuable is given to an animal. The two types of offerings to animals escalate from the plausible but wrong to the completely ridiculous—hyperbole to prove a point. The first instance suggests food for a dog—an everyday occurrence but inappropriate in this instance since the meat has been consecrated to God. The second example—pearls given to swine—is ludicrous. Although pearls are valuable to us, they have no worth to an animal, and this animal is ritually unclean. It would therefore immediately make the pearls unclean and therefore unworthy of a righteous man. (They could be ritually cleansed, but that is not Jesus’s point.)
The message of these metaphors is that we should not share items of value (from our vertical relationship with God) with those (in horizontal relationships) who may respond like the dogs and swine. The valuable item was the holy gospel. (Note that Jesus likens the kingdom of God, or gospel, to a pearl in Matthew 13:45–46.) Although the gospel was supernally valuable, believers should exercise good judgment in sharing it. This caution is pragmatic. In the Old World, some who should have gladly accepted the gift turned on the early Christians and persecuted them. We need look no further than Saul (Paul) for an example.
Book of Mormon Context: The believers in Bountiful did not need to be cautious about sharing the gospel. The Messiah’s dramatic appearance had altered the religious landscape. Nevertheless, they had been recently persecuted; and these words would have resonated with their experience. Perhaps the Savior was warning them to exercise caution in going into communities that lacked the Nephite religious background, particularly if they had not witnessed the Messiah’s arrival.
This verse again shows Joseph Smith’s interaction with the source text. Mesoamerica had dogs and offerings on altars but not pearls or swine. No doubt the plate text contained a culturally appropriate example which Joseph recast into familiar KJV language.
Reference: Andrew C. Skinner notes: “The corresponding Greek text of these verses [Matt. 7:6] indicates that Jesus was probably using a proverbial saying, in vogue at the time, when He referred to dogs and swine. The Greek term translated as “dog,” kusin, can also mean an “unclean animal” or even a “reprobate.” The Greek term, choiron, refers to a young pig and may imply a combination of immaturity and impurity.”
Comparison: There are no changes from the Matthean text.