The Serpent
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.


The serpent as a teacher. Jesus says that, in view of every kind of danger, we are to be as sagacious and prudent as the serpent. The serpent is very careful about its —

I. HEALER. Be anxious for the safety of your bodies and minds. Be doubly anxious about the safety of your hearts. Why the Bible says so much about the heart.

II. EYES. As your bodies have eyes, so have your souls. It is with the eyes of your souls that you are to see your duties to God and man, and the way in which you are to be saved — "Open thou," etc. Bead a part of the Bible every day.

III. AN APPROACHING STORM. Knows when a storm is coming, etc. There are moral as well as physical storms. Jesus is the refuge from the storm.

IV. TEMPTATION. In the East there are a great number of serpent charmers, etc. Guard against every form of music which is not healthy, pure, and godly, etc.

(Dr. Alex. McAuslane.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

WEB: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.




The Law of Safety for Christian Workers
Top of Page
Top of Page