Matthew 10:16

Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

Be in all things "wise as a serpent, and harmless as a dove."[11]

Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

Be in all things "wise as a serpent, and harmless always as a dove."[16]

Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book I

Again, when He says, "as suckling calves," He again alludes figuratively to us; and "as an innocent and gentle dove,"[27]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book VII

Mixing, then, "the serpent with the dove,"[137]

Tertullian Against the Valentinians

by them as simple, and as being merely so, without being wise also; as if indeed wisdom were compelled to be wanting in simplicity, whereas the Lord unites them both: "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves."[20]

Tertullian Scorpiace

For even thus again does He address words of guidance to the apostles: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; "and, "Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles," etc.[58]

Tertullian On Baptism

gall. And accordingly He says, "Be ye simple as doves."[67]

Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews

In the Gospel according to Matthew: "Be ye prudent as serpents, and simple as doves."[750]

Lactantius Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died

To His everlasting mercy ought we to render thanks, that, having at length looked on the earth, He deigned to collect again and to restore His flock, partly laid waste by ravenous wolves, and partly scattered abroad, and to extirpate those noxious wild beasts who had trod down its pastures, and destroyed its resting-places.[41]

2 Clement

our sojourn in this present world, let us do the will of Him that called us, and not fear to depart out of this world. For the Lord saith, "Ye shall be as lambs in the midst of wolves."[37]

The Second Epistle of Clement Concerning Virginity

If, moreover, it chance that we go to a place in which there are no Christians, and it be important for us to stay there a few days, let us be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves; "[26]

Acts of Andrew and Matthias

Where are the great mysteries which thou hast been taught, and the wonderful things which we have believed? And Matthias said to him: Didst thou not hear the Lord saying, I shall send you like sheep into the midst of wolves?[17]

The First Epistle of Pope Fabian

Follow not such, but keep them far off from you. Be ye, according to the voice of Truth, wise as serpents and harmless as doves.[6]

2 Clement

Wherefore, brethren, leaving [willingly] our sojourn in this present world, let us do the will of Him that called us, and not fear to depart out of this world. For the Lord saith, "Ye shall be as lambs in the midst of wolves."[27]