1 Corinthians 3:18-23

True Wisdom

True wisdom, according to the apostle Paul, comes in learning to be a fool in the eyes of this world's wise (Acts 2:24). Pride in one's own intellectual abilities can keep him from learning the truth. It is important to humble oneself before God to learn (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 5:6). God uses man's own wisdom to trap him, as Paul's quotation from Job 5:13 would indicate. Whenever man attempts to add worldly wisdom and opinion to God's word, he will find himself lost because of the very instrument by which he tried to save himself.

Paul went on to quote Psalms 97:11 to show man's plans are empty. Only God's plans can bring a true reward. So, Paul warned the Corinthian brethren against following man and his wisdom. They had already tried it and found it wanting. Christians have all they need in God's revelation and teachings. All things work to the good of God's people (Romans 8:28). Life is a good gift to be used to the Christian's advantage in God's service. Even death is something to which one can look forward (1 Peter 1:21.) Since the Christian is Christ's and finds so many blessings in him, he should not join a party or faction (1 Corinthians 3:19-23; John 17:12-23.)