When Jesus sent out the first apostles in Matthew 10, He told them that He was sending them out as "sheep among wolves." He follows this warning with a strange piece of advice. Jesus says, "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This statement by Jesus highlights a point of tension for Christians as we follow Jesus in a sometimes hostile world. No matter the situation, we are to act with innocence (righteousness) towards others, and we are also invited by Jesus to be shrewd (wisdom).
When Jesus sent out the first apostles in Matthew 10, He told them that He was sending them out as "sheep among wolves." He follows this warning with a strange piece of advice. Jesus says, "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This statement by Jesus highlights a point of tension for Christians as we follow Jesus in a sometimes hostile world. No matter the situation, we are to act with innocence (righteousness) towards others, and we are also invited by Jesus to be shrewd (wisdom).