What benefit would result from Jesus teaching his disciples this? Why would we want to be 'wise as serpents'? I don't see where the serpent provided anything beneficial to the kingdom of heaven: rather deceit and destruction. The serpent was aware of the weaknesses of man: that he would/could desire things apart from God's will/way. If we understand how/that we are motivated by those desires, we will become 'wise as serpents'. The serpent's wisdom upon wolves comes only to destroy. Doves, on the other hand, made aware with that wisdom, respond harmlessly.
'But he answered and said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." '(Matthew 4:4 KJV)
'Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." '
(Matthew 4:7 KJV)
'Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." '
'Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." '
(Matthew 4:10,11 KJV)
A harmless, not harmful response.
A harmless, not harmful response.
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