“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Wary, cunning, wise, shrewd, smart, prudent, clever, and sly are the words different translations interpret the ‘way’ of the enemy in this one verse. The Greek word is φρόνιμος / phronimos (fron’-ee-mos). The word origin comes from φρήν / phrén (frane) generally meaning thinking or understanding with 3 possible meanings of phrén being:
the midrif (as a partition of the body)
(figuratively and by implication of sympathy) the feelings or sensitive nature
(by extension, also in the plural) the mind or cognitive faculties
Now phronimos is an extension of phen meaning thoughtful, i.e. Sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while spohos denotes practical skill or acumen; and sunetos indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative) — wise(-r).
A word study in Biblehub states:
phrónimos (an adjective, derived from /phrḗn, “personal perspective regulating outward behavior,” and the root of the English term “diaphragm” which controls key body functions from the inside out) – properly, “how we size things up,” reflecting our personal (“visceral”) opinions, i.e. what we consider “savvy” (smart). This always roots to our personal perspective (“inner outlook”) which regulates our definition of being “shrewd,” i.e. reflects personal mind-set (insight).
I give all this reference to show my point about NOT acting out of reactive emotions. Our enemy is more knowledgeable about the Word and is a legal expert on where the boundaries lie within the ‘law’. They act to entrap you in a snare. We then need to be just as ‘wise’. Not acting out of our emotions but from the direction of the Holy Spirit. Getting our counsel and instruction from the very indwelling Spirit of God that resides in our innermost being. (if you have surrendered to Him and He has come to dwell within you)
How else will we be able to deal with beings that are much older and wiser when it comes to the spiritual aspects of life and seek to do us harm? Do you think you can throw ritual or formula at them and it will affect them? Consider the sons of Sceva. (Acts 19)
The world is a dangerous place. The spiritual realm even much more so. It is wise NOT to underestimate our enemies. Or regard them as a non-opponent. Or think you will recognize them easily. The deny, lie, hide, cover up, and belittle all the while speaking with your voice in your mind. Can you recognize that ‘voice’ that ISN’T you in your mind?
How are we to be ‘innocent as doves’ without the Holy Spirit? How are we to know which fruit to use at which time? How are we to discern what is true and what is not? Without the direct and specific instruction from the Holy Spirit we are trying to strike out at phantoms, who nimbly move and laugh at our attempts. Are you listening to the Holy Spirit? Can you learn from the scripture He is bringing to your mind in the moment you need it? Or are you still allowing your emotional reaction to be what guides you? Or are you listening to the wisdom from the Holy Spirit? Be wise and utilize His wisdom the way and when He says to use it.
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 NLT