1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

In Context

19As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.

21For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.

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Cross References

2 Samuel 15:31And word came to David, saying, Ahithophel is among those who are joined to Absalom. And David said, O Lord, let the wisdom of Ahithophel be made foolish.

2 Samuel 17:14Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, Hushai's suggestion is better than that of Ahithophel. For it was the purpose of the Lord to make the wise designs of Ahithophel without effect, so that the Lord might send evil on Absalom.

Job 12:17He takes away the wisdom of the wise guides, and makes judges foolish;

Job 12:24He takes away the wisdom of the rulers of the earth, and sends them wandering in a waste where there is no way.

Isaiah 33:18Your heart will give thought to the cause of your fear: where is the scribe, where is he who made a record of the payments, where is he by whom the towers were numbered?

Isaiah 53:1Who would have had faith in the word which has come to our ears, and to whom had the arm of the Lord been unveiled?

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Efficacy of the Gospel; The Character of the Gospel. ( a. d. 57.) 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the… Read the whole commentary →

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