“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18–19 ESV).
Paul warned the Corinthian believers not to be deceived by the values of the surrounding culture. In their pride, some thought themselves wise by the world’s standards—valuing eloquence, status, and philosophical reasoning. But Paul insisted that such wisdom was actually foolishness to God. To become truly wise, one must first become a “fool” in the eyes of the world, willing to abandon pride and embrace the gospel of Christ crucified. Paul reinforced this by quoting Job 5:13, showing that God catches the so-called wise in their craftiness. This theme is echoed in Acts 26:24 when Festus, hearing Paul’s testimony about Christ, shouted, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you mad.” To the Roman governor, Paul’s gospel sounded foolish, but in God’s eyes, Paul was walking in true wisdom.
We are constantly tempted to measure ourselves by the world’s standards—intellect, success, appearance, influence. But God’s standard is different. The message of the cross may sound foolish to the world, yet it is the power and wisdom of God to those who believe. Let us not deceive ourselves by trying to be wise in the eyes of this age. Instead, may we willingly become “fools” for Christ, believing His Word, living by faith, and trusting in His promises. Even when the world looks down on us, we will rest in knowing that we are walking in the wisdom of God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for the times we’ve sought the approval of this world instead of Yours. Teach us to value Your wisdom above the world’s, even if it means being misunderstood or mocked. Help us humbly proclaim the gospel of Christ and live as those who are truly wise in Your sight. We would rather be fools for Christ than wise in the world’s eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.