Shrewd as a Serpent/Innocent as a Dove

When Jesus sent out the first apostles in Matthew 10, He told them that He was sending them out as "sheep among wolves." He follows this warning with a strange piece of advice. Jesus says, "Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This statement by Jesus highlights a point of tension for Christians as we follow Jesus in a sometimes hostile world. No matter the situation, we are to act with innocence (righteousness) towards others, and we are also invited by Jesus to be shrewd (wisdom).