The Wisdom Of Serpents
by Pastor Dag Heward-MIlls
… be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16
SERPENTS ARE WISE
It is not strange that men fear snakes. It is also not strange if people have a proper respect for snakes. It is a fact that snakes are amazing creatures, superbly surviving and multiplying in spite of the generalized hatred that exists towards them.
If Jesus had not spoken about the wisdom of serpents we may have overlooked the superior wisdom that they live by. Because Jesus pointed out the wisdom of a serpent, all of us must pay special attention to these creatures and learn what we can from them. So, what is the wisdom of a serpent? What makes a serpent wise?
Would you not want to find the wisdom that would make you flourish more than all your colleagues?
Would you not want to find the wisdom that could make you successful in the face of strong opposition and hatred?
Would you not want to have the wisdom that would make you flourish through all the changing scenes of life? After all, how many people are able to stay rich and prosperous through all seasons of life?
Would you not want the wisdom that would make people fear you and treat you with proper respect?
Do you not want the wisdom that will make you quietly accomplish all your goals in this life?
I am sure you want such wisdom. Indeed, that is the wisdom of the serpent! That is why Jesus said we must be wise as serpents.
Seven Reasons Why Serpents Are Considered Wise
1.Serpents are considered to be wise because they have multiplied and flourished more than any other wild animal.
2. Serpents are considered to be wise because they have continued to exist in an ever-modernising world. You will notice that many wild animals are becoming extinct in our modern world.
3. Serpents are considered to be wise because they have been able to flourish even though they are hated by everyone.
4. Serpents are considered to be wise because they evoke fear and respect in human beings. Human beings do not fear and respect many animals but they fear and respect snakes.
5. Serpents are considered to be wise because of their ability to live in every continent and every part of the world.
6. Serpents are considered to be wise because of their ability to function in every sphere; on land, in the sea, in fresh water and even in the air.
7. Serpents are considered to be wise because of their ability to accomplish their goals in this world. In spite of all the odds stacked against the snakes, they are able to live, eat and multiply.
To be wise, you must think, meditate and ponder over facts, truths and statements. You cannot just gloss over deep sayings that mean so much. When Jesus said, ‘be wise as serpents,’ He was giving a dark saying; a saying that is full of wisdom, meaning and guidance. Every chapter of this book contains one aspect of the great wisdom of a serpent that has made it more successful than any other wild animal found in the zoo.
Have you ever thought about the fact that there are no lions roaming around near your house? But there are probably snakes in your area. At least, I have seen snakes in every house I have ever lived in. Lions are simply non-existent in your area. They have been wiped out because they do not operate by the wisdom of the serpent. They operate by another kind of wisdom – the wisdom of a lion.
The wisdom of a lion makes us have a proper respect and fear for lions. But the wisdom of a lion has not enabled the lion to flourish and multiply successfully in cities all over the world. The population of lions is dwindling! Lions are becoming extinct! Snakes, on the other hand, are mysteriously found in every city and neighbourhood. In that sense, the snake is wiser than the lion because it has prevailed, flourished and prospered whereas the lions have become fewer and are nearing extinction.
