S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In sending out the Twelve, Jesus said to them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16, KJV). The NIV says...

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November 17 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)?

I was in North Wales one year, and North Wales is known for its adder snakes that hide in stone walls and long grass—they do not like to be disturbed —but one day a woman was pushing a pram with a baby in it. She caught the snake's tail, and the snake reacted by biting the woman on her ankle. She had to be rushed to the hospital for anti-venom due to the snake bite. 

So, this thought hit home to me as to what it means to be cautious as serpents: To be cautious here means to be prudent, sensible, shrewd. Zoologists note that most snakes are wary, preferring to flee rather than attack. Likewise, Jesus warns his disciples to remain cautious toward opponents and to avoid potential dangers as they carry out their preaching work.

The other statement made by Jesus, yet innocent as doves: The two parts of Jesus' admonition (to be cautious and to be innocent) complement each other. The Greek word rendered "innocent" (lit., "unmixed," that is, "unspoiled; pure") also occurs at Ro 16:19 ("innocent as to what is evil") and Php 2:15 ("be blameless and innocent, children of God"). 

Here at Mt 10:16, being "innocent" apparently includes being genuine, honest, free of deceit, and having pure motives. The dove is sometimes used in Hebrew word pictures and poetry to symbolise these and related qualities. 

Jesus' point was that when his sheep-like followers faced persecution as sheep among wolves, they needed to combine the characteristics of serpents and doves by being cautious, shrewd, pure of heart, blameless, and innocent.​—Lu 10:3

Conclusion:

To be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" means to combine practical shrewdness and caution with innocence and a lack of malice. This involves being aware of potential dangers and using good judgment to avoid them, much like a cautious serpent, while maintaining a pure, blameless, and gentle nature, similar to a dove. The goal is not to be deceitful, but to navigate a hostile world by being smart enough to protect oneself without compromising one's integrity or purity. 

The two qualities are meant to be used together to achieve a successful and balanced life, protecting yourself from harm while remaining pure and gentle.

1: "Wise as serpents" (or "shrewd as snakes") means exercising caution, intelligence, and strategic thinking. The serpent, often a symbol of cunning in the ancient world (Genesis 3:1), represents the need for believers to be alert to danger, anticipate opposition, and use good judgment in their interactions and circumstances. This "wisdom" involves being aware of the schemes and tactics of those who wish to cause harm.

2: "Harmless as doves" (or "innocent as doves") refers to maintaining moral integrity, purity, and a peace-loving nature. The dove, a symbol of peace and purity in the Bible, represents the need for believers to be blameless and free from malice or deceit, even when provoked. This "harmlessness" involves responding with gentleness and love, rather than aggression or a desire for revenge.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report