The Bible in the Old Testament refers the Wolf to be a ravenous and fierce animal, one that is set out to kill and destroy (Ezekiel 22:27, Jeremiah 5:6). In the New Testament, the Wolf is used as symbolic of those who mislead (false prophets) and deceive (wolf in sheep’s clothing) as recorded in Matthew 7:15.
Interestingly in Matthew 10:16, Jesus, The Good Shepherd, does not tell us (His sheep), to stay away from the wolves, but instead informs us, that He is sending us amongst wolves. This, to the common mind, may seem unnatural. He even cautions His sheep to be on guard at all times, lest they are deceived, counseling them to be wise as serpents, yet harmless as doves.
So, why would a good shepherd send his sheep amongst wolves? I think, just as a sheep that knows that as long as the shepherd is with him/her, he/she need not be afraid of the wolves i.e., he/she can be in perfect peace. The same principle applies to us. As long as we know that Jesus is with us, we have no reason to be afraid of anyone or anything. In fact, a time will come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6) , epitomizing perfect peace and until then, let us stay on guard, wise as serpents, harmless as doves, always cognizant that The Good Shepherd is with us, protecting us from those ravenous around us.
Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
