2 Corinthians 11:26; In Perils of …
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In highlighting the dangers that the disciples will face from the enemies of the gospel, Jesus provided this advice – be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16). The disciples need an applied knowledge of God’s Word, the wisdom of God’s Word. In the Bible, the picture given of the snake or serpent is that it is repulsive, stay clear of it, but here our Lord using the particular shrewdness of the serpent to as Christians to emulate serpents. Those who would do good has need to pray for wisdom, good sense and a sound mind. Indeed, who is sufficient for these things? We need to cry to the only wise God for wisdom. The systematic study of God’s Word, the Book of Proverbs is a good book of wisdom.
The Apostle Paul also says Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without… We are to be wise is our interaction with the unbelieving world, not rendering ourselves vulnerable. That’s the sense of it. Jesus’ servants need shrewdness not to give needless occasion for others to take advantage of them. They require a clear head in dealing with opposition. The word “wise” means prudent. The “dove” is a picture of “innocence” and “purity” with good motive, without malice, not vindictive. The shrewdness of the Christian needs qualification with a “harmless” approach. The word “dove” carries the ideas of unmixed or pure. People who minister cannot do so with deception.