Definition: Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from Matthew 7:10. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling idea! Here’s the explanation: The Core Idea: Jesus is saying that people are incredibly suspicious of those who seek to help them. He’s posing a question designed to highlight how we should treat others. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Or if he asks a fish…” – This refers to someone asking for something from someone who is not a person of great importance, like a fish. It's about someone seeking help from someone seemingly insignificant. “…will he give him a serpent?” – Now this is the crucial part. Jesus isn’t suggesting that fish will be poisoned with snakes. He’s saying that if someone asks for something from you, and they are not trustworthy or worthy, they might try to trick you by offering you something harmful, like a snake. What it means – The Bigger Picture: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Don't trust easily: Jesus is telling us not to be easily swayed by someone who seems helpful or friendly. We need to be discerning and look for genuine goodness. Beware of deception: The "serpent" represents anything that might try to trick you, corrupt you, or lead you astray. It could be a false promise, a manipulative person, or even a situation that looks good on the outside but isn’t really true. In short, it's a call for caution and discernment. Jesus is urging us to be wary of those who might try to exploit our trust or seek something from us without genuine worth or intention. Important Note: This verse has been used in various interpretations throughout history. It’s a complex message that continues to resonate with people today. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further, perhaps using an analogy? Discuss the different possible interpretations of this verse? Give you some examples of how to spot potential deception in someone's requests?