Joseph Smith, Jr. occasionally alters fluid sentences in the New Testament, sometimes transforming them into the peculiar. An example of this can be seen in Matthew, where he replaces the clear term servants with the alternate choice of serpents.

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Matthew 10:16, AKJV, emphasis added.

Here is the modification he made in April 1831:

“[B]ehold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves be ye therefore wise as Servents and as harmless as doves.”

Matthew 10:14, New Testament Revision 1 (Independence, MO: Community of Christ, 1831), 25, emphasis added.

This alteration could be interpreted as an error by either Joseph or his scribe, yet it became part of the printed text and remains in the Holy Scriptures/Inspired Version Bible to this day. While both versions are logical, the rationale for the change is viewed as blasphemous within mainstream Christianity.