The phrase “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” comes from Matthew 10:16, where Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples to preach and heal. He tells them, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” This is an important verse that provides guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves in the world.
To be “wise as serpents” means to have discernment, be prudent and cautious. Serpents are associated with craftiness and cunning. Jesus is telling his disciples that even though they should be innocent and harmless, they still need to be wise about the world and people they encounter. They need to understand the dangers and risks, be on guard against deception and malice, and avoid falling into traps. Some examples of this wisdom include:
- Being careful what you say and to whom – don’t reveal too much or be too trusting with sensitive information
- Understanding the motives and intentions of others – don’t be naive
- Anticipating arguments and attacks against the faith – be prepared to defend the truth
- Avoiding potentially dangerous or compromising situations – flee temptation and risky circumstances
- Navigating challenges in a complex world – be savvy about the culture and politics of the times
At the same time, Christians are called to be “innocent as doves.” Doves represent purity, peace, and sincerity. Jesus wants his followers to be morally upright, sincere, and blameless. They are not to repay evil for evil, but extend love and forgiveness. Some examples include:
- Being sincere – no hidden agendas or ulterior motives
- Being pure in heart and mind – avoiding sinful attitudes and behaviors
- Being gentle and harmless – not violent or oppressive to others
- Staying above reproach – maintaining a good reputation
- Extending grace and forgiveness – not vengeful or vindictive
- Promoting peace – being a reconciler between people
Putting these two images together, Christians are called to interact with the world in a way that combines truth with love – having discernment yet being gracious, being morally courageous yet gentle. We must apply wisdom to identify deceit and malice, while responding with grace and truth. Being “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” means having both boldness and gentleness, conviction and compassion.
Here are some key principles we can apply from this verse:
- There is danger in the world, so be on guard – Do not be naive or oblivious to evil intentions (Genesis 3:1, John 17:14-15). Stay alert and prepared.
- Be discreet – Avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary criticism or attack (Matthew 7:6, Proverbs 22:3). Do not cast pearls before swine.
- Seek to understand before seeking to be understood – Study people and situations before reacting (Proverbs 18:13, James 1:19). Get wisdom.
- Stay above reproach – Live uprightly so that accusations will not stick (Titus 2:7-8, 1 Peter 2:11-12). Do not give critics an opportunity.
- Respond with grace and love – Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21, Luke 6:27-28). Take the high road.
- Be gentle yet courageous – Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Deal with people firmly yet kindly.
- Aim for restoration – Seek to redeem and heal broken relationships (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-17). Pursue reconciliation.
Jesus himself modeled this ideal. He exposed the falsehood of the Pharisees and refused to fall into their traps. Yet he extended amazing grace to sinners. He did not compromise with sin, yet he was a friend of sinners. He stood for truth yet demonstrated compassion. He confronted hypocrisy yet forgave freely. This is the model for all believers as we engage the world.
Here are some examples from Jesus’ life and ministry:
- Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees – He called them blind guides, fools, whitewashed tombs, and hypocrites (Matthew 23). He warned his disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:6-12). Yet he shared meals with Pharisees and taught in their synagogues.
- Jesus escaped the traps set against him – When the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus into saying something illegal, he avoided their traps with wisdom (Luke 20, Matthew 22, Mark 12). Yet he kept engaging them.
- Jesus extended grace to sinners – He freely forgave adulterers (John 8:1-11), tax collectors (Luke 19:1-10), and other outcasts of society. Yet he told them to leave their life of sin.
- Jesus cleared the temple courts – He drove out those engaged in commerce, demonstrating zeal for holiness (Matthew 21:12-13). Yet he immediately healed the blind and lame.
- Jesus spoke harshly at times – He used vivid metaphors, calling Herod a “fox” (Luke 13:32) and calling the Pharisees a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 23:33). Yet he wept over the city of Jerusalem that rejected him (Matthew 23:37-39).
- Jesus loved those who persecuted him – As Jesus was mocked and crucified, he prayed for the forgiveness of his tormentors (Luke 23:34). He is the perfect model of being wise yet harmless.
In summary, being “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” is a key principle for how Christians are called to live. We must pursue purity, grace, and truth. We should avoid sin yet lovingly engage sinners. We must cling to conviction yet extend compassion. This requires prayer, wisdom, and dependence on the Holy Spirit to empower us. As we walk in this balance, we can make an impact as light in a dark world (Philippians 2:14-16).
Here are some additional Bible verses that are relevant to this passage and the principles discussed:
- Ephesians 5:15-17 – Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.
- James 3:13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
- Proverbs 12:23 – A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
- Romans 16:19 – I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
- 1 Corinthians 14:20 – Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
- Proverbs 27:12 – The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
- Matthew 5:43-48 – Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind…It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
- Romans 12:17-21 – Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge. Overcome evil with good.
These and many other Bible verses help expand on the meaning of being wise yet harmless. When we depend on God’s Word and Spirit to guide us, we can gain discernment to avoid evil and purity to extend Christ’s love. As Christ’s ambassadors on earth, we are called to walk in this balance every day.