I posted a photo of a snake in a boot on Facebook years ago. The reactions included, “Yikes!” “Yuck!” “Scary!” “Be careful!” “Is that your boot?” I posted it as a reminder to be careful where we put our feet. For example, when we put our feet on the path of sinners, we will share their evil, shame, and demise (Prov. 1:15). On the other hand, we will gain wisdom when we walk with wise men (Prov. 13:20).

Upon seeing this image, a Christian friend reminded me of the children’s song, “Be careful little feet, where you go!” Good, sound advice for young and old alike (Eph. 5:15; Ps. 1:1-2).

When I first saw this photo I asked myself: “What kind of spiritual footwear do I wear? Am I going into the world with the gospel of peace, prepared to stand against the devil” (Eph. 6:15)? Or am I taking on the appearance of a snake, adapting to the scenes of the world around me, easily blending in with this present age? Evil companionship corrupts good morals (1 Cor. 15:33-34). We must walk in the gospel to withstand the assault of the devil (Eph. 6:10-13).

The photo also calls our attention to snakes in the Bible. Here are some that come to mind:

1. The snake in the garden (Gen. 3:1-5). This serpent was a liar who deceived Eve to sin against God and thereby experience its shame, sorrow, and death (Gen. 3:6-13). This “snake” was real, not a motif or symbol of evil borrowed by Moses from ancient traditions. His lies are cunning and aimed at corrupting the simplicity of truth we have in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3). So, we must be sober and watchful, lest “the serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” devours our souls (Rev. 12:9; 1 Pet. 5:8).

2. Moses’s rod became a snake (Exod. 3:1-5). This sign was given to convince Israel that God had appeared to Moses and sent him to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage (Exod. 4:29-31). Likewise, when Aaron’s rod became a serpent, it swallowed up the Egyptian magicians’ serpents (Exod. 7:8-13). God gives sufficient signs for us to believe in Christ and to follow His word (John 20:30-31; Mark 16:17-18; Heb. 2:3-4).

3. The snake on a pole (Num. 21:4-9). God sent deadly snakes among the people of Israel because of their rebellious conduct. Confessing their sins, God told Moses to put a snake on a pole so that the person bitten, “when he looks at it, shall live” (Num. 21:8-9). This deliverance from death by grace through faith serves as a type of salvation in Jesus (John 3:14-21). God loves us and saves the one who looks at Jesus (believes Him and “does the truth,” John 3:16, 21).

4. A snake in the heart (John 12:2, 27). The devil did not force his way into Judas’s heart. Judas let the devil into his heart long before the betrayal kiss (John 6:70-71; 12:4-6). Has the cold-blooded serpent already found a warm nest in your heart?

The Toy Story character Woody screamed, “There’s a snake in my boot!” Is there one in yours? Be careful where you put your feet!

- The Spirit’s Sword, March 1,2026