For the message of the cross is foolishness 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; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

I have heard a lot of people offer worldly wisdom as of late. They quote life coaches, online influencers, counselors, and successful business leaders. Many times they use inspirational words that don’t really have any practical value. One of my least favorites is: “Be the best version of yourself.”

The challenge with this statement and many others is that they’re just not true. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners and destined for hell. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus and God‘s grace that we can be saved. No amount of effort on our own will make us good. What if the best version of a sinner’s self is still incredibly sinful?

There is a dichotomy at work in the knowledge and wisdom of the world versus the knowledge and wisdom of God. When, as Christ-followers, we speak the truth in love, and preach the gospel of the good news of Jesus in a dark and dying world, this seems to be foolishness to those who are focused on themselves. However, the same message spoken to a seeker, who is searching for the truth, will save them.

Many people are wise in their own eyes. They even bestow gifts and favor upon others who called them wise. However, wisdom only comes from God. And if a person who does not follow God speaks, he will not be speaking wisdom.

Those who seem wise in the world’s eyes will be shown in the end to be fools. And those who seem highly intelligent to this world will be deemed incredibly dense in comparison to the intelligence of God.

When we preach Christ crucified, we preach the power of Jesus and the wisdom of God all wrapped into one. Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, has the power to change our lives. Not only to change our eternal destination, but to change our current situation in our heads. On our own we are slaves to sin. Our minds are corrupted. Jesus rescues us, and if we follow him, we can become slaves to righteousness.

Lord, thank you for these very revealing verses on wisdom and intelligence. When we follow you we become wise and intelligent; when we follow you, we become powerful. Help me to seek after your wisdom and to not give much regard to the wisdom of this world.