1. Which way did you grow up - too wise in worldly ways, too naïve about the world, or wise enough but still able to maintain your innocence? How has that been a problem for you, if applicable?

2. Jesus is going to send your children out like sheep among wolves. In Matthew 10:16 what is the perspective and stance he instructs them to have? What are the implications for how a father should raise his children?

3. In some sense, our lives are the sum of the decisions we make, some wise, some not. Good decision-making is a major key to your children's success. How can the concept of teaching them to be "wise as snakes and harmless as doves" help you teach your children to make better decisions?

4. ANSWER ONE:

• What do you want your children to know that will make them wise about the world? What do you want your children to know that will help them remain innocent in the world?
  

  OR

• What happens if our children end up wise but lose their innocence? Is this a special risk for your children and, if so, what can you do about it? What happens if our children remain innocent but do not become wise? Is this a special risk for your children and, if so, what can you do about it?