Serpent

 
Satan is called the old serpent, in allusion to the way in which he tempted Eve, and to his cunning and subtlety. Hypocrites are compared to serpents (Matt. 23:3333Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)), also to the tongue of the wicked (Psa. 140:33They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. (Psalm 140:3)), also to wine (Prov. 22:31-32). Believers are, however, exhorted to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves.