Doves are innocent. One bird watcher stated when someone approaches a tree where dove has nest, dove generally pretends to have broken wings. The predator moves forward captures the dove or attacks the nest to kill young birds or eat up eggs. Hence, doves are silly.
1) Silly dove: Prophet Hosea compares Joseph’s descendants as ‘silly dove.’ “Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.” (Hosea 7:11) In the parable, Hosea states that a dove flees from a hawk, is snared in the fowler’s net. Ephraim is afraid of Assyria, seeks help from Egypt; when afraid of Egypt calls upon Assyria. Jehovah makes Ephraim’s false friend as snare and judgement on Ephraim. (Hosea 7:12) Those who are deceived by false teachers, prophets, prosperity preachers are like silly doves.
2) Without sense: Doves are without prudence or practical knowledge. Without discernment they become hapless victims. So, Lord warned his disciples should not be just innocent as doves, but wise like serpents. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Discerning Satan’s strategy is necessary for believers. They cannot afford to be ignorant of Satan’s strategies. Believers should not allow Satan to outwit them by their ignorance. (II Corinthians 2:11) 3) Wrong source of help: Ephraim sought help from wrong sources. Instead of calling upon Jehovah, they expect help from fragile human sources. In Christian life, we must depend on God, who is our strength. Relying on worldly sources including kith, kin, friends, or own strength is disastrous.
Innocence of dove is commended, while ignorance is rejected. Instead wisdom like that of serpent is commended. God should give us a blend of innocence and wisdom to be powerful witness among the wolves.
Are we innocent and wise among ravenous wolves?