Offering Knowledge to those who do not appreciate it?

[AbuHurairah]

There is this hadith I was asked about from one of my Islamic Studies students and I did not know the answer to... what exactly is this hadith referring to, if it is indeed authentic:

Ibn Majah reported this Hadith as follows: Anas Ibn Maalik reported, the
Messenger of Allah (SAAW) said:

“Seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim; he who offers knowledge to
those who do not appreciate it, is like the one who decorates pigs with
precious stones, pearls and gold”

Is it that this hadith is addressing the ones being taught that they should appreciate it, or is it talking to the one who is teaching the knowledge, in which case, he should be careful who he teaches to?

Clarification would be appreciated if anyone knows... Jazakaum Allahu Khairan.

[MSalah]

As salaamu aleykum wa rahmtulaahi wa barakaatuh

I am sorry I cannot offer any much help on your question, however would you happen to have the arabic text of the Hadith? If so, can you post it for us on the forums?

I would like to read it.

Jazaakum Allahu khairun
M

[Abdulbary Yahya]

This is the Arabic text...
وروي عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى ‏الله عليه وسلم :‏
طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم وواضع العلم عند غير أهله كمقلد الخنازير الجوهر ‏واللؤلؤ والذهب


The first part of the Hadith is authentic (Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim) but the addition is very weak as is mentioned by Sheikh al-Albaani in his book Da'eef at-Targheeb wa at-Tarheeb.

[TawhidFirst]

Jazak Allah Kheir Shaikh for clearing the confusion on this hadith.

[Ahmed Ibn Hassan]

difinatly clears things up.

[Safi Khan]

Jazakallahukhairan