# pearls of Ophir out in front of (someone), laying the a variation of the expression casting pearls before swine: offering valuable things to those who cannot appreciate them. Ophir is the seaport or region, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, from which the ships of Solomon (king of Israel in the tenth century B.C.) brought fine gold in great quantity. Sandalwood, precious stones, ivory, apes and peacocks were also part of the cargo. Though the exact location is uncertain, it is believed to have been in a kingdom in southeastern Arabia.