January 24, 2025

1 Corinthians 3:18-23  (HCSB)
The Folly of Human Wisdom

18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. 21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come—everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Caleb Doolittle

Paul issues a strong warning against self-deception. He challenges those who think they are wise by worldly standards to "become a fool" for Jesus (v18). This seems paradoxical, but it points to a profound truth: true wisdom begins with humility. He contrasts worldly wisdom, which is "foolishness with God," with God's wisdom, which often appears foolish to the world. He reminds us that God "catches the wise in their craftiness" (v19), highlighting the futility of human wisdom divorced from God. Paul then shifts from worldly wisdom to boasting in human leaders. He declares, "Let no one boast in men. For all things are yours" (v21). What a radical statement! He lists various leaders, even himself, and then expands the scope to encompass everything: the world, life, death, present, and future.
All these things belong to those who are in Christ. We are heirs to an incredible inheritance, with access to all that God has to offer. This truth should liberate us from the need to boast in anything or anyone other than Christ Himself. Today, practice humility by intentionally seeking God's wisdom in every situation. When faced with decisions or challenges, turn to prayer and His Word instead of relying on your own understanding. Remember that true wisdom comes from above.

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