Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
This statement by Jesus is in the context of sending the apostles out to preach the gospel message. He forewarned them that they would encounter great opposition, describing them as “sheep in the midst of wolves.” He wanted the apostles to be prepared, as wise as serpents.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance explains the Greek word for “wise” here (#5429) means “to be thoughtful and implies caution.” In verse 14 Jesus had just instructed them saying, “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” This is a Hebrew idiom meaning to have nothing to do with them. They were going to meet people who weren’t interested and they should move one. This was one way of being cautious and is consistent with the following verses when Jesus warned, “Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.”
Jesus then directed how they should respond to persecution. They should be “harmless as doves.” In other words, they should not respond by attempting to harm those who oppose them. Their response should be with gentleness and kindness. That very principle was later exhibited when Stephen, while being stoned by his Jewish brethren, did not defend himself but instead asked God to forgive them. It was a dove-like response and most pleasing to God.
To summarize: being “serpents” in this passage represents caution when dealing with evil men. Being “doves” represents turning the other cheek when being mistreated (Matthew 5:39). It also suggests speaking with kind, gentle words when presenting Scripture.
