"Be shrewd as serpents and as simple as doves"

[BarbaraTherese]

dailygospel.org/www/popup-comments.php?language=AM&id=1304

Blessed John XXIII (1881-1963), Pope
Journal of a soul (©Geoffrey Chapman)

“Be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves”

“Everyone must be treated with respect, prudence and evangelical simplicity…
The example of Jesus is more closely followed in the most appealing simplicity, not dissociated from the God-given prudence of wise and holy men. Wiseacres may show disrespect, if not scorn, for the simple man. But those wiseacres are of no account; even if their opinions and conduct inflict some humiliations, no notice should be taken of them at all: in the end everything ends in their defeat and confusion. The ‘simple, upright, Godfearing man’ is always the worthiest and the strongest. Naturally he must always be sustained by a wise and gracious prudence… (read on at above link)…”