For what it's worth, I seem to recall hearing that a wise man advised Christians, or at least Christian missionaries, to be as harmless as doves and wise as serpents. Or as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. Something like that. The (figurative) wisdom of the serpent referst to being knowledgeable, picking your battles, understanding the position of those to whom you are talking, that kind of thing, I think. The innocence or harmlessness would seem to be meekness, gentleness, humility, and empathy.
I know that's a hard standard and I don't expect perfection, but you would be more effective if you attempt to follow that advice, IMHO.
I know that's a hard standard and I don't expect perfection, but you would be more effective if you attempt to follow that advice, IMHO.
I'm not anti-Christian. I'm anti-stupid.