The wolf in sheep's clothing metaphor teaches us that sheep were an important part of the economic life of the people of Galilee during Jesus' brief life, and that the metaphor of the pious as a flock of sheep is woven into stories in both the old, and new testaments.
On the other hand wolves were perceived to be malevolent predators, and a threat to the lives of the innocent person.
Poirot," I said. "I have been thinking."
"An admirable exercise my friend. Continue it.”
― Agatha Christie, Peril at End House
Thinking for oneself is a life enhancing pursuit ensuring that we do not rely on others to think for us, leading us astray.
Self deception is that easy willingness on the part of the listener to believe all that they hear, or read will benefit them. Here lies a dilemma for the naive person when understanding that a seasoned detective will question all that they hear, or read before drawing any conclusions. In other words the investigator of the truth will never take for granted that which appears to be the truth.
Agatha Christie understood that her reading audiences wanted a joy ride, a helter-skelter filled with confusing hints leading them to draw erroneous conclusions...before the last page revealed the truth.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in
sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves ~ Matthew 7:15
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