¹⁶ “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.^(A) Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.^(B)

³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.^(A)

¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(A) and pure, “children of God^(B) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a](C) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.^(A) In regard to evil be infants,^(B) but in your thinking be adults.

⁵ Be wise^(A) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(B) make the most of every opportunity.^(C)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(A)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(B) because the days are evil.^{(C) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^(D)

¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ,^(A) but their own appetites.^(B) By smooth talk and flattery they deceive^(C) the minds of naive people. ¹⁹ Everyone has heard^(D) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.^(E)

²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves^(A) will come in among you and will not spare the flock.^(B)

¹⁵ For I will give you^(A) words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.