Srila Prabhupada replies: There is a short story in this regard, it is about a snake who became a devotee on the instruction of Narada, who instructed her not to bite anymore. As usually a snake’s business is to fatally sting other living entities, as a devotee it was forbidden to do so. Unfortunately, people took advantage of this non-violence from the snake, especially the children, who started throwing stones at it. She didn't bite anyone else, however, because it was her spiritual master's instruction.
After a while, when the cobra met his spiritual master, Narada, he complained, "I've given up the bad habit of biting innocent living entities, but they're mistreating me by throwing stones at me." Hearing this, Narada Muni instructed her: "Don't bite, but don't forget to expand your hood like you were going to bite." So people will run away with fear." Likewise, a devotee is always non-violent; he is qualified with all good qualities. But in the ordinary world, when there are provocations made by others, he must not avoid getting angry, at least at that moment, to ward off provocators and evil doers.>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 4.11.31.
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