“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NIV)
Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was near. That was good news! But not everyone would welcome that message. Jesus knew there would be opposition. He warned His disciples that they would be arrested and mistreated, and that they would have to give an account before governors, kings, and judges. Their mission was dangerous—just as it is dangerous for a sheep to enter a pack of wolves.
Jesus assured the disciples that His Spirit would be with them and would give them the right words to speak in difficult situations (see Matthew 10:19–20). Yet He also urged them to be as smart and discerning as serpents while remaining as innocent and harmless as doves. Both qualities were essential—and they still are today. Believers must recognize the enemy’s traps, but they must never become cunning or malicious themselves. Otherwise, they would begin to resemble God’s great adversary, Satan, who also appeared in the form of a serpent. That is why wisdom must always be combined with sincerity and innocence.
Are you by nature more like a serpent or a dove? Ask God for the wisdom to discern what each situation requires and how to combine both qualities.