Hi everyone, a few days ago Jesus said in the Gospel “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.”
Can you help me understand what it means exactly to be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves?
I had a situation with the local councillor from the town hall where I could tell he was not being honest throughout all our meetings, he’s testing me in what I say and do, which makes sense considering he doesn’t know me much. I was considering working for him a while ago but he recorded our conversations without my consent, he’s questioning everything I tell him, he mocks me discreetly and mocks the fact that I go to mass everyday.. makes me think. The day after I had the meeting that he recorded, the Lord spoke this gospel, which I’m grateful for but I lack some understanding.
Thank you ❤️
@pshannonpb
July 14, 2026
Snakes and doves
8 comments
8 Comments
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@roofsatJul 14I think it’s about knowing the serpent and the dove. And keeping both with you.
Expected result is about acting as serpent with serpents around, and as dove with dove around.
mind = serpent
heart = dove
Expected result is about acting as serpent with serpents around, and as dove with dove around.
mind = serpent
heart = dove
@roofsatJul 14it’s just a view, I would still say, you’re the best judge 🙂
@pshannonpbJul 14Thanks! I hadn’t thought about the heart-mind division, definitely a point to consider
@mau_wavJul 15I interpret that as two virtues, being clever and wise when needed, but with pure intention, staying humble and acting with charity. In the context of mission work or apologetics it's evident how important this is.
@pshannonpbJul 16Thank you Mau, it helps
@lucaJul 16I think this passage doesn’t mean that Christians should be naïve or allow themselves to be manipulated.
Politics is about power, and many people want to preserve even the smallest amount of it. To do that, some are willing to burn bridges, undermine others, or make “scorched earth” around anyone they see as a threat. I’ve seen this firsthand in associations connected with politics and in friendship organizations between countries. The amount of backstabbing, manipulation, and personal attacks can be remarkable.
So when Jesus says, “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves,” I don’t think He’s asking us to have an unguarded heart in situations where people are trying to destroy us—not physically, but through deception, manipulation, or by damaging our reputation.
Politics is about power, and many people want to preserve even the smallest amount of it. To do that, some are willing to burn bridges, undermine others, or make “scorched earth” around anyone they see as a threat. I’ve seen this firsthand in associations connected with politics and in friendship organizations between countries. The amount of backstabbing, manipulation, and personal attacks can be remarkable.
So when Jesus says, “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves,” I don’t think He’s asking us to have an unguarded heart in situations where people are trying to destroy us—not physically, but through deception, manipulation, or by damaging our reputation.
@lucaJul 16To me, it means keeping a pure heart and honest intentions, while also being wise, discerning, and realistic about how the world works. You don’t become deceitful yourself, but you don’t ignore warning signs either. You learn to recognize manipulation, set boundaries, verify people’s intentions, and act prudently.
So my understanding is: keep your heart genuine, but use all the wisdom, discernment, and skills God has given you to navigate difficult situations—especially in environments like politics, where power can easily become more important than truth or service.
So my understanding is: keep your heart genuine, but use all the wisdom, discernment, and skills God has given you to navigate difficult situations—especially in environments like politics, where power can easily become more important than truth or service.
@pshannonpbJul 18Really appreciate this, it’s a very complete answer and one I can relate to a lot. Thanks :)
