Read the Scripture
Scripture passages for Be Wise as Serpents
Primary passage
Matthew 10:16
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
World English Bible
The command
Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
In context
Hear the whole passage.
In the mission discourse, Jesus sends the twelve into a resistant world as sheep among wolves and prepares them for real opposition.
What This Reveals About Jesus
Jesus calls His messengers to combine practical wisdom with moral innocence.
Jesus is honest about danger. He does not call His disciples to naivety or manipulation, but to alert, harmless faithfulness.
Practice this command
Take one concrete step.
Identify one difficult situation you are entering. Plan a response that is truthful, prudent, and harmless, and ask a mature believer to review it with you.
Discuss it
What distinguishes kingdom wisdom from fear, manipulation, or self-protection at any cost?
Pray
Jesus, make me alert without becoming cynical and innocent without becoming naive.
Teach it
Explain why Jesus joins the images of the serpent and the dove instead of choosing only one.
Continue walking
Keep listening and practicing.
Continue in the original collection
This command is source position 36 in the complete sequence.