There’s a phrase we often hear in Christian circles whenever we face a difficult situation: “Use wisdom.”
It shows up in all kinds of contexts:
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In a relationship, you forgive and choose to reconcile, but someone warns, “Use wisdom—don’t forget how they hurt you. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
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You sense God calling you to leave a secure job for ministry or entrepreneurship, and people say, “Use wisdom—don’t leave sure for unsure.”
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When you’re moved to give to someone in need, you might hear, “Use wisdom—what if they misuse your money?”
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During COVID-19, many said, “Use wisdom and stay away from church,” while still gathering at supermarkets, offices, and homes.
Let’s be clear: sometimes wisdom is staying in the job, ending a relationship, keeping your money, or staying home from a service. But the question remains: how do we as believers discern true wisdom?
Godly Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom
James 3:13–17 gives us a guide. Wisdom from heaven is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Anything else—earthly, unspiritual, or demonic—falls short.
Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 3:18–20: “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”
Jesus takes it further in Matthew 10:16: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.”
This means as we go into a world often hostile to our faith, we need both discernment and innocence—wisdom and purity—if we are to advance God’s kingdom without compromising His character.
Wise as Serpents
Snakes are fascinating creatures. Their first instinct is not to attack but to avoid danger. They assess their surroundings, then quickly decide whether to flee or stand their ground.
To be wise like serpents is to:
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Understand people and situations
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Exercise discernment and sound judgment
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Know when to avoid danger and when to confront it
Throughout Scripture, God’s people modeled this balance:
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Moses fled from Pharaoh (Exodus 2:15), but later stood boldly before him (Hebrews 11:27).
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David escaped Saul (1 Samuel 19:12), but also confronted him with humility (1 Samuel 24:8).
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Jesus withdrew from crowds seeking His life (Luke 4:29–30), but also stood firm in the Garden (John 18:1–8).
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Paul fled Damascus (2 Corinthians 11:33), but also marched into Jerusalem knowing persecution awaited (Acts 20:22–23).
Wisdom doesn’t mean cowardice—it means discernment in how and when to act.
Harmless as Doves
Doves, by contrast, embody innocence and gentleness. They do not provoke. Their nature is calm, their song soothing.
To be harmless as doves is to:
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Live with pure motives
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Avoid provoking unnecessary conflict
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Keep your reputation clean
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Reflect the gentleness of Christ in your witness
Our lives should give the world no legitimate reason to accuse us of injustice or immorality. Though still imperfect, believers are called to live in such a way that even our opponents must admit our integrity (1 Peter 2:12).
Why Both Matter
Wisdom without innocence can turn into cunning and manipulation. Innocence without wisdom can look like weakness or naivety. Together, they form a powerful witness—courageous but gentle, discerning yet pure.
Jesus never called us to seek unnecessary trouble, but neither did He call us to avoid risk. As sheep among wolves, our calling is to proclaim hope, healing, forgiveness, and redemption with both shrewd discernment and humble gentleness.
As You Go
So how do we apply this?
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Ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 promises that God gives it generously to those who ask.
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Choose gentleness. In your words, actions, and decisions, let purity and sincerity guide you.
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Walk in holiness. Live in a way that protects your witness and glorifies Christ.
As you go into relationships, workplaces, communities, and conversations—even hostile ones—remember: Be wise as serpents. Be harmless as doves.
