The Parable of the Serpent and the Dove

When the Lord had said “Be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves”

It’s an incredible statement, but when applied to biology including

The concept of evolution.  We know that reptiles, have lessened much of

 Their evolutionary progress.  Sharks and what is considered to be apex predators

Such as crocodiles have been said to have stopped their evolutionary progression.

When the Lord said “Be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves”

He’s making a clear comparison about the nature of one and the other.

The reason not being clear as its a parable, but is said with good reason.

Snakes, especially in biblical and theological inference has always been given

The proper connotation of being mysterious, spiritually ambiguous, and somewhat

A metaphor for betrayal and malevolence.

A snake in the grass was one I remember.

Why does Jesus Christ say to be as wise as a serpent.  

Why does Jesus Christ say for us to be as harmless as doves.

When seen simply from its physical characteristics, you can see that

A snake is on the ground, doesn’t have any appendages, or limbs

Slithers across the ground.

A dove in itself is quite harmless.  But it can fly and is considered one of the more meek animals of the avian species.  To what destiny,

Is not said in the parable but Proverbs 30:19 seems to make some

Inferences about the snake. 

Proverbs 30:19

The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin.

(Or as said in the KJV, maid.)

On a rather unrelated note, when Agur wrote that he does not know these things

Or understands them being too wonderful or astounding for him to do so.

The way of an eagle in the air.

Not to say that this is the destiny of all who can pick up their souls off the ground

From further descension but that being a dove, and having been as wise as a serpent 

In innocence may be what shows itself to be of truth

While there are what is apparently what the Holy Bible and other text refer to spiritual serpents, although

Wise are not harmless and being both as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove

Supersedes or trumps the craftiness of the serpent and shows itself to be more honorable to God than anything the serpent might do.

Meaning the Lord will favor he who is of this nature

Rather than he who is likened to a serpent.  

Which are not harmless as they have been known to be dangerous,

Wrap themselves around sometimes larger animals and constrict them to death

Or if not, venomous.

So the dove, in its finality takes a completely different path and nature

Than that of the serpent.

I suppose in some way declaring that there is 

The Holy and Profane and these things do not change.

If needed once again referencing the tree of life

And the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

English Standard Version

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

Luke 21:19

By your patience possess your souls.