S – Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.

Matthew 10:16 CSB

O – “Shrewd” – phrŏnimŏs:  sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character;  denotes practical skill or acumen; intelligence or mental acquirement

“Innocent” – akĕraiŏs:  unmixed, i.e. (fig.) innocent:— harmless, simple.

James Strong, The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).

* Jesus is saying they should practically apply intelligence and wisdom and don’t get mixed into the emotions and temperature of the moments.  Keep it simple.

A – This is great wisdom for us today.  If we can apply the intelligence and wisdom God gives us each day without letting our emotions and feelings dictate our actions, we would be in a great place.  I know I can build “a story” about a situation and need to keep it to the truth.

R – Lord, I invite you to be in all that I face today.  I pray for the ability to draw from the wisdom and intelligence you have provided for me.  I ask that your Holy Spirit guard my emotions and feelings.  Help my thoughts, words and actions bring honor to You and your presence into each situation.