“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“’I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Paul is always strategic with his words. He asks questions that make his readers think and dismantle many an argument. His logic is cogent and unnerving for the smartest of saints, unveiling their strutting as sham, putting all in their place before the mighty, merciful Savior. Earthly wisdom is mere folly compared to the Source of life. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Why is it that we are slow to recognize the folly of the world? Facades and thrones are alluring, and our flesh craves them both. When we put a premium on self-importance and controlling our lives, natural man resists any inconvenient truth. Only the Holy Spirit elucidates wisdom and ignites holy passion.
In what situations do we tend to strut our perceived greatness, be it experience, title, knowledge, or pedigree? Around whom are we condescending in thought or deed? What arrogance, or ignorance, or insecurity, causes us to snort and vie, compare and discriminate, find fault and put down, argue and rebuff, making fools of ourselves before the perfect God? Facing the gospel truth will dismantle pomposity and reorient our perspective.
When do we take time to ponder, and bless, the almighty Sovereign? When did we last so soak in His word and remain still in prayer that He spoke directly? How has He revealed a new facet of Himself, prompted a decision, or quickened our understanding? If we are not regularly contemplating His greatness and wisdom, we will default in the flesh to thinking too highly of ourselves. The key is not to think less of ourselves, but to think more of Him. (Job 38-39; 40:1-5)
Lord, keep me humbly dependent on and grateful to You as the source of life, wisdom, and righteousness, to Your praise.
As the rain and snow 