Serving in a hard world takes both sharp wisdom and a gentle heart.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
What does “Wise and harmless” mean in Matthew 10:16?
Jesus sends His disciples out with a warning that they will meet opposition. He pairs two qualities: the shrewdness of a serpent and the innocence of a dove.
Going deeper
Jesus said, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. He is honest about the risk. The world will not always welcome His followers. So He asks for a balance. Wisdom means thinking carefully, seeing things clearly, and not being naive. Harmlessness means staying pure and gentle, without deceit or aggression. We need both to serve well.
Some of us lean toward wisdom and become cynical. Others lean toward gentleness and become easily taken advantage of. Jesus asks for both together. Consider which you need more of right now. If you tend to be trusting, ask for discernment. If you tend to be guarded, ask for a softer heart. As you serve in your community or workplace, ask God for the blend of shrewdness and gentleness that reflects His character. Ask God to give you the balance He knows you need in your setting.
Reflect
Which do you need more of right now, wisdom or gentleness, and how could you ask for it?
Pray
Lord, make me wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Give me discernment and a gentle heart as I serve. In Jesus' name, amen.
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