Matthew 10:16 NASBS
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
Jesus is sending the disciples out into the world as sheep among wolves. They should be as clever or wise as serpents, and as innocent as doves in their dealings with others.
According to the original meaning, the word wise or shrewd signifies thoughtful, as in sagacious or discrete (implying a cautious character; while G4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement).
This is revolutionary in my opinion since Jesus granted the disciples the authority to cure the sick, raise the dead, and perform other miracles. Their provision would come from the people they were helping, and this was something the disciples were aware of. Also, It didn’t matter that the disciples understood exactly where they were meant to go; their lives didn’t depend on it alone.
Jesus provided the power, wisdom, and provision, but it was necessary for the disciples to learn survival techniques.
The disciples, according to Jesus, should have sagacity combined with discretion, as well as prudence manifested in practical abilities to deal with difficult situations.
Our sagacity, knowledge and temperance are all excellent qualities, and we need them combined with the practical skills that are so vital in a world that is eager to destroy Christians that become outstanding.
These practical abilities take the shape of intelligence, which is acquired through mental training.
To put it another way, we should be street- wise people so that we can protect ourselves against the wolves of the world.
What we are being challenged to do is use our skills and expertise to season our worldly relationships.
It’s not simply about having more of Jesus power (which is essential). It is also about acquiring practical skills while employing our intelligence in order to move around and thrive in a world full of challenges.
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