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Be wise as serpents

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tonychanyt

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Jesus gave a pep talk in Matthew 10:

16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17a Be on your guard.
Click to expand...
What was so wise about serpents? What was this positive imagery about snakes?

Barnes explained:

sheep in the midst of wolves - That is, I send you, inoffensive and harmless, into a cold, unfriendly, and cruel world. Your innocence will not be a protection.
Click to expand...
How do snakes survive in this cruel world?

Not by being innocent.

Be cautious, like a snake. Don't innocently head into trouble situations.

Jesus used snakes as positive imagery. Don't be foolish. Don't go out there looking for trouble. Be wise. Be cautious, like a snake.
 
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Mark Quayle

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OT, perhaps, but there might be a reason related to that, why it was "the serpent" that enticed Eve.

We have an awful lot of things that are good, but dangerous. And there is a lot that is perverse, that should otherwise be good; (which is how sin works).
 
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