Scripture Reference: 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.”
Introduction
When our Lord sent out His disciples, He gave them a simple yet profound command: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” These words remain timeless, carrying deep instruction for every believer who walks with God today. The life of a believer is often compared to walking through a battlefield, surrounded by wolves who desire to deceive, attack, and destroy. Yet, God has not left us defenseless. He equips us with wisdom and innocence—the balance of discernment and purity—to navigate this world faithfully.
The Context of the Command
In Matthew 10, Jesus prepared His disciples for the mission ahead. He warned them of persecution, betrayal, and hostility. Yet, in the face of such opposition, He did not tell them to fight with carnal weapons or to use worldly schemes. Instead, He instructed them to embody two qualities: the sharp wisdom of the serpent and the gentle innocence of the dove.
This dual instruction reminds us that following God requires both sharpness of mind and purity of heart. Wisdom without innocence can lead to manipulation, while innocence without wisdom can lead to vulnerability. The balance of both makes the believer effective in a hostile world.
Wise as Serpents
The serpent, throughout Scripture, is often seen as subtle and shrewd. In Genesis 3:1, the serpent is described as “more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” While the serpent in Eden used cunning for evil, Jesus highlighted the characteristic of shrewdness as a tool for good.
To be wise as serpents means:
- Discernment of Motives
Not everyone who approaches us has pure intentions. Believers must discern the hearts of men and the strategies of the enemy. Proverbs 14:15 says, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” We must not be gullible but alert and discerning. - Strategic Thinking
Wisdom calls us to act with foresight and planning. Just as the serpent carefully studies before it strikes, believers must not act hastily but consider the consequences of their words and actions. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” - Guarding Against Deception
The world is filled with deception. False teachers, worldly philosophies, and enticing temptations surround us. Ephesians 5:15 exhorts us: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” A wise believer tests everything by the Word of God.
Innocent as Doves
The dove, in Scripture, is a symbol of purity, peace, and simplicity. When Noah sent out the dove from the ark, it returned with an olive leaf, signaling peace and restoration (Genesis 8:11). Likewise, the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove at His baptism (Matthew 3:16).
To be innocent as doves means:
- Purity of Heart
Our actions must flow from a heart that is pure before God. Psalm 24:3–4 says, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” A believer should not operate with hidden motives or deceit. - Peaceful Spirit
The dove does not represent aggression or violence. Romans 12:18 instructs us: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The innocence of the dove calls us to pursue peace even when others seek conflict. - Gentleness in Conduct
Philippians 4:5 encourages: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Gentleness, kindness, and humility mark the life of one who is innocent as a dove.
The Balance Between Wisdom and Innocence
Wisdom and innocence must go hand in hand. Too much wisdom without innocence can lead to manipulation or pride. Too much innocence without wisdom can lead to naivety or destruction. The believer must walk in both.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this perfect balance. When the Pharisees sought to trap Him with their questions about paying taxes, He answered with wisdom: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21). He was wise as a serpent, avoiding their trap, yet innocent as a dove, keeping His words pure and true.
Applying This Command Today
1. In Our Faith Walk
Believers must live with discernment in doctrine, careful to avoid false teaching, while also walking in humility and sincerity. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
2. In Our Relationships
Wisdom helps us discern true friends from pretenders. Innocence calls us to love without hypocrisy. Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
3. In Our Workplace and Community
We face wolves in the form of corruption, dishonesty, and worldly pressures. Wisdom teaches us when to speak and when to remain silent, while innocence calls us to integrity, refusing to compromise our values for temporary gain.
4. In Evangelism
When sharing the gospel, wisdom helps us answer questions thoughtfully and avoid unnecessary arguments, while innocence ensures our motives remain pure—to glorify God, not ourselves. Colossians 4:5–6 says, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.”
Challenges in Living This Out
Being wise and innocent is not always easy. Sometimes wisdom may look like silence, but others may accuse us of cowardice. Sometimes innocence may look like weakness, but it is strength in God’s eyes. We must remember that this command was given because the road ahead would be difficult.
Yet, God equips us. James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” And Psalm 51:10 is our prayer for innocence: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Encouragement to Believers
Beloved, the wolves are real, but so is the Shepherd. The command to be wise and innocent is not a call to fear but to trust. The One who sends us as sheep among wolves is the same One who walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). His rod and His staff comfort us.
Therefore, do not be discouraged by the hostility of the world. Instead, embrace the wisdom of the serpent to discern, and the innocence of the dove to remain pure. With both, you will shine as light in darkness and salt in a tasteless world.
Conclusion
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16 remain as relevant today as when they were first spoken. To live as a believer is to be a sheep among wolves, yet equipped with wisdom and innocence. Wisdom keeps us from being deceived, and innocence keeps us from becoming corrupt.
Let us, therefore, pray daily for wisdom from above and for purity of heart. Let us seek to reflect the nature of our Lord, who was both wise in His dealings and innocent in His heart. In doing so, we will fulfill the calling to be in the world but not of the world, shining as examples of God’s truth and love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending us into the world with the assurance of Your presence. Teach us to be wise as serpents, discerning the times and the schemes of the enemy. Keep our hearts innocent as doves, pure and gentle in spirit. Help us to walk in wisdom and humility, never compromising Your truth. Strengthen us to be faithful witnesses in a world filled with wolves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.