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NASB | Matthew 10:16 ¶ "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 10:16 ¶ "Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. [Gen 3:1] |
Bible Question: What are the shrewd ways of a serpent? How can these ways be recognized? |
Bible Answer: Greetings! As I consider these instructions, I think it is more difficult to be as innocent as doves in the midst of "wolves!" But as to the ways of a serpent . . . think about how a snake behaves. First of all, although we often see them passively coiled while sunning themselves, they are aggressive. They have senses that are adapted to locating their prey and possess the ability to "bring it down" As believers, we have this ability too in the form of God's Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit. And yes, I believe that just as the serpent must go after his prey, so must we, at the direction of God, take a stand against the enemies of the Gospel. I hope this helps - why not do a "Google" search on snakes and see what other characteristics they possess that God might want you to learn from? mommapbs |