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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 3 - Verse 19

3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Meaning

In this verse, the author is highlighting the contrasting perspectives of wisdom between the world and God. The wisdom of the world, based on human understanding and logic, is considered foolishness in the eyes of God. This concept challenges the idea that human intelligence and knowledge alone can lead to true wisdom. The verse references a passage from the book of Job in the Old Testament, where it is stated that God exposes the folly of the wise by outwitting them with their own cleverness. This serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways and that true wisdom comes from a deep understanding and reverence for God. It encourages readers to seek divine wisdom rather than relying solely on human intellect. The verse suggests that those who are prideful in their own wisdom will ultimately be humbled by God, as He sees through their attempts at self-sufficiency and reveals the limitations of human understanding.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the apostle Paul challenges the worldly wisdom that often leads people away from God. By contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking divine understanding rather than relying solely on human knowledge. The phrase "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness" is a direct reference to Job 5:13, where it conveys the idea that human wisdom, no matter how sophisticated, is ultimately futile in the eyes of God. This verse serves as a warning against placing too much trust in human intellect or reasoning, as it can often lead to pride and arrogance. Instead, believers are encouraged to humble themselves and seek God's wisdom, which surpasses all human understanding. Through this interpretation, Paul reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and that we are called to rely on His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

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