Does the Bible command believers to act like serpents but show a face like an innocent dove ?

Question

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." -- Matthew 10:16


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Answer 1

This verse is simply telling us to be cautious, but also to be harmless.

Answer 2

The "wisdom" of a serpent is considerably different than the "actions" of a serpent !!
And, the innocences of a dove is considerably different than the "face" of a dove !!
You are utilizing a very regularly called on procedure of religious detractors by switching wording and connotations
in order to shift viewpoints of a subject to an end !!

There is a war
it is between the powers of darkness and light
There are also scriptures that very distinctly command that believers -- put on the full armour of war for what they will be dealing with in this life !
But, of course, you know that already

Answer 3

These are all analogies. You have to read in the context that the Bible was written, and then listen to the Holy Spirit to see and understand how it applies in your life. That's why scholars say you can read the Bible a thousand times and it will never sound the same twice, it's the LIVING WORD.
So no, we aren't to act like serpents in the evil, sneeky, slimy or scaly kind of way. But we are to be wise and cautious and maintain an innocent, peaceful life. The analogies of the snake and dove were just ways for the writer to relate to the people.
Hope this helps

Answer 4

Serpents represent wisdom or at least they are presumed wise in this context. It's picture language, doves represent purity and innocence (because they are white).
Therefore believers are commanded to be discerning and wise yet not to compromise their values or return evil for evil(that kind of thing)

Answer 5

Just in case you did not realize it, the way you have taken one verse and imposed your own interpretation onto it, is called "Bible Thumping." This is precisely why we have so many denominations within the Christian religion.

Try looking at the verse, within the context of the whole chapter, then look at the chapter before and after; or better yet, gain understanding by reading the ENTIRE Book of Matthew.

Answer 6

by way of fact they are going out among the wolves. Wolves used to predate on sheep. of course one desires to take account of the incontrovertible fact that many absolutely everyone seems to be very undesirable certainly. As christians although, having been born returned, christians can according to probability choose people by skill of their very own coronary heart motivations, that's unwise. are not you adult males the tarqiah lot; advised that its okay to lie to interior the call of Islam ? Thats actual a advice interior the Koran to lie to with the intention to propagate mohammed's equipment. So accusing Christ of encouraging deception is "slightly prosperous".

Answer 7

Read it again, it does not say to act like a snake it says to be as wise as one and as harmless as doves.

Seems to me to be good advice when you are surrounded by wolves and want to protect yourself while at the same time doing no harm to them.

Answer 8

no it means that we should be wise to the world and fleshly things and be capable of telling the difference from good and bad but we need to stay innocent and not do anything that is not in His will

Answer 9

If I was to say that you should be as cunning as a fox, do I mean that you should paint your hair red and buy a big bushy tail? They are similes, not instructions for a fancy dress party.

Answer 10

It is telling us to watch out for people like you. That's why you ignorant-*** atheists are wasting your time when you post such crap about the Bible.

Answer 11

In a world of wolves what's wrong with that?