it an addition to the original parallelism, is not the attack just the thing which gives this saying its special force, and calls for explanation? An additional inconsistency in the standard interpretation should be noticed. What is being protected by this proverb’s injunction? The usual answer is given in terms of the holy things and pearls. But it ought to be entirely plain that the true warning is that the one who “gives” and “casts” is in danger of an attack on