Wise but Harmless

 Matthew 10:16

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

The first order to understanding the words, "wise and harmless" would be to study the creatures they are descriptive of.

The second course to comprehend all the verse means, at least in this bloggers mind, is to find the Greek and Webster's Dictionary meaning of the words.
Then, one may begin to discern and interpret how a believer is to behave in this world for the glory of the Lord and among nonbelievers.

First, wisdom of the serpent

1.    Why is a snake considered wise in the writer's view? 

• According to (animalvivid.com), they use special sense of smell via their tongues to locate prey and evade predators.  So, one could conclude that the serpent does not seek an adversarial situation.  In fact they spend their lives actually hiding from "adversarial situations." 
• Is this a "wise" trait? Of course!  Believers NEVER seek an adversarial situation.  We are metaphorically known as "sheep" in scripture.  Sheep are docile, unassuming and quite dumb! (Mt 10.16, Jn 10.3, 4, 14, 27,  I Pet 2.25)
• Why are they "sneaky?" In part, because most predators, including humans, are bigger and more able to destroy them.  However, there is evidence to suggest they seek out others of like kind for a social relationship. (animalvivid.com)
• Is this a "wise" trait? It can be when a believer follows the Lord in such relationships. (2 Cor 6.14)
• How keen is their eyesight? It is also know that they have sharp vision.  This acute eyesight allows most species to see better at night than daytime. (animalvivid.com)  Their eyes actually correspond with their environment.  Their primary predatory sense is heat and vibration of their prey.
• Is keen eyesight "wise" in a believer? You betcha! If "the light of the body is the eye..." (Mt 6.22), it is necessary for each believer to always "watch and pray..."  lest one fall into "temptation..." (Mk 14.38)

2.    What does it mean to be "wise?" Websters 1828 dictionary gives the following definition:

• Properly, having knowledge; hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly, or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; skillful. Wise in the Greek reads: discreet, implying a cautious character: practical skill or acumen: intelligence or mental acquirement.

So it is that like the serpent, a believer must stay aware and diligent of predators yet sensible in discerning what to do or not to do in the daily walk with the Lord. 

Plainly put, (Isa 1.18, Phil 2.12, I Thes 5.17)) while "reasoning, praying and working out" what to do, a way will seem clearer than other choices.

Second, Why is a dove called "harmless?"

Webster's defines "harmless" as; not hurtful or injurious, innocent, not guilty.

In the Greek "harmless" is know as unmixed, innocent, harmless, simple

1. Description of the dove.

• Most doves have relatively stout bodies, with short legs and short beaks. They all have a similar shape, though their plumage varies drastically from species to species. Some doves are uniform in color, while others have many different colors and patterns. (https://animals.net/dove/)
• As believers - most of us are ordinary in appearance with very distinct personalities.  Yet, Gen 1.27 explains we are made "in the image of"  God. I Peter 1.16 explains how we are to conduct ourselves.  "Holy."  Matthew 5.48 tells us to be "

2. Doves live in a variety of habitats.  

• Thus, wherever He leads, I will follow.  Believers are called to a variety of situations, circumstances and locations.  Whether preacher, missionary, church leader, sunday school teacher, stay-at-home mom, a dad who provides for his family, all have a "habitat."   Too many verses to count about God's will for a believers life in this world.  Eph 5.17, Pro 3.5, 6, Eph 4.11., I Cor 7.20-24.  In a nutshell, "bloom where you are planted."

3. Distribution of the dove

• The dove inhabits nearly every landmass in the world, except Antartica and parts of the Sahara Desert (https://animals.net/dove/)
• One could say a dove avoids extreme hot or cold. As the metaphor continues in a believers life, there should be balance. "Nothing wavering." Jms 1.8  The only way to remain stable would be to keep one's mind on God. Isa 26.3

4. Diet of the dove

• Most doves are herbivores, and eat primarily plant matter.  Some doves eat fruits and berries, whil others eat seeds and grains.  Those that feed on grains and seeds usually forage on the ground, while those that eat fruit typically forage in the trees and bushes. (https://animals.net/dove/)
• Those that forage on the ground, Lk 8.11, will find good "seed" noted in this passage as "the Word of God."  Do you get "fruit bearing" seed from His Word?
• Those doves that find "fruit in the trees and bushes" have soared to a higher place for their sustenance. 
  
  
  

• Where do you get your energy?

5. Dove care

• Doves need space to fly and exercise (https://animals.net/dove/)
• Where do you find yourself "flying" and getting spiritual "exercise?"
• Lk 3.22 describes the Holy Ghost "like a dove."  Do you follow the leadership of the Holy Ghost? Jn 14.26, I Cor 3.16

To conclude these few points on the dove.  This bird is harmless, no natural instinct to attack, just to live in the world as humbly as possible with the food given by her Creator.

Much more could be said about the similarities of the dove and the serpent in the life of each believer.  However, the Spirit gave it best, "Wise but harmless."  

Meditate and let me know what you think.

Ps 57.7