I was having lunch with a dear friend not too long ago. In the course of conversation, the phrase “pearl clutchers” came up. I am always intrigued with a phrase that I have never heard, and this one just tickled my fancy.
It did not bother me one bit to ask what the term meant. My friend informed me it was the gesture that some people make when they hear something unbelievable. The hand is raised in exaggerated amazement or disbelief to the neck, just where the knot in a strand of pearls would be if a woman was wearing it.
My mother probably was not a pearl clutcher, as I am pretty certain she never wore a strand of pearls, real or artificial, in her life. With mother it was also about phrases, however; rather than clutch pearls, she would have said something like, “I’ll swan!”
Another of her favorite phrases she would have used at such a time was “I declare!” I my young mind this phrase became, “Idy clare.”
I always pondered the identity of “I. L. Swan” and “I. D. Clare.” Was these men or women?
Not only women have these sayings. With my father a statement of wonder or disbelief might come out as “Ah, ----” or “You’ll play ----” (the same word can be inserted in both of these expressions—use your imagination, Dear Reader). He also might have said “I’ll be ------ (different word, but probably not difficult to imagine).
If you would like to get different perspectives on the meaning and use of the phrase “pearl clutcher”, you’ll find a Google search most interesting. If you’re not interested enough to conduct this search, I won’t waste your time in further discussion here. Just remember—it seems that everything in this world can be attributed some kind of negative connotation. I was most satisfied with my friend’s description of the term that included no malice or duplicitous meaning.
The phrase “pearl clutchers” reminded me of a verse from the KJV of the Bible: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6) This verse is a metaphor which, interpreted in modern language, means not to waste that which is precious or valuable on those who will not be appreciative or understanding. In so doing, a person can bring ridicule and hostility from the unappreciative upon themselves.
There are seven other mentions in the King James Bible that use the word “pearls”. One, taken with regard to the verse quoted above, focuses on the wisdom that is necessary to determine with whom precious or valuable actions should be directed. “No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.” (Job 28:18)
“Pearls of wisdom” is a phrase that is sometimes used to denote good advice. When considered with Job 28:18, Proverbs 3: 13-20 personifies wisdom as a great pearl.

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; By understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, And the clouds drop down the dew.

A study of pearls will teach that pearls tarnish if they are not worn. Wisdom is a pearl that only becomes more refined with use. Wisdom will never yellow or deteriorate. May your upcoming week, and your life, Dear Reader, be filled with pearls of wisdom. Remember not to throw them to the swine.

ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK # 28
What country’s capital has the fastest-growing population? ANSWER: Ireland. Every day it’s Dublin.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK # 29
What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up his own incision? (See next week’s article in historicunioncounty.com for the answer.)

PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM A FARMER

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.

PEARLS OF WISDOM FROM WILL ROGERS

Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.

Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back into your pocket.
If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n than puttin' it back in.

After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.