Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

What it means

Goodness is not the same as naivety. Keep your eyes open to how the world works, and keep your hands clean. Be sharp and kind at the same time.

The source

"Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Jesus said it in Matthew 10:16. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"γίνεσθε οὖν φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις, καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί"

Original Greek, Matthew 10:16. Text read at github.com.

Who said it

Jesus (c. 4 BC – c. AD 30). Jewish teacher from Nazareth in Galilee whose sayings were written down in Greek in the four Gospels. Christians follow him as the Son of God.

Questions

What does "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." mean?

Goodness is not the same as naivety. Keep your eyes open to how the world works, and keep your hands clean. Be sharp and kind at the same time.

Who said "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."?

Jesus (c. 4 BC – c. AD 30). Source: Matthew 10:16.

What is the original Greek?

γίνεσθε οὖν φρόνιμοι ὡς οἱ ὄφεις, καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ περιστεραί. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Jesus, Matthew 10:16, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/be-wise-as-serpents-and-innocent-as-doves