As Wise as Serpents

Wisdom is one of those themes that is never put to rest in the Bible. It is prevalent in both the New and Old Testaments. God's call for us to be 'as wise as a serpent' has strong implications, considering the Biblical representation of a serpent. The serpent was the creature that singlehandedly dethroned Adam and Eve, who were the most glorious creations that God had ever created. Satan himself is referred to as a serpent in numerous places. So why would God call on us to be like a serpent?

Because in the Bible the serpent symbolizes a creature that has potent wisdom. The serpent is affiliated with a powerful 'gift'. The gift of wisdom can be used for sordid gain, as is revealed by the serpent; but the second part of the verse calls us to be as innocent as doves. So God desires for us to have an uncanny perception that coincides with righteous motives and a pure heart. He clearly wants us to possess the ability to devastate the principalities of darkness by our ability to wisely discern between destruction and liberty, darkness and light, and foolishness and good judgement. For the purpose of expanding His kingdom, not our own.

James promises that anyone who diligently asks will receive this invaluable gift. He goes on to say that without this 'gift' that people are in danger of being tossed to and fro with every deceitful doctrine. It apparently is not good enough to simply be 'innocent', but God is calling us to acquire this sharpened ability to wisely discern. Why?

I think that the answer is simple; God is preparing His bride's defenses in order to withstand dark attacks. God is passionate about His bride, and He wants us to realize when we should keep our hand off the burner. He wants to inject wisdom into our DNA, and in order to do this He is requiring us to pursue it through our prayers and meditations. During these last days the 'gift of wisdom' will be like diamonds compared to rubble. Wisdom is not just a good idea, but rather a prerequisite for being effective during trying times.