Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves

That verse from the gospel of Matthew (10:16) seems eminently appropriate for how we should understand the world today. For as Jesus was telling his disciples how they were to behave as they traveled from town to town, so we need the same advice as we navigate our way through the world.

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."