1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Verse 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Verse 20Where 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? Verse 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. Verse 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, Verse 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, Verse 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Verse 25For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. Verse 26Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Verse 27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; Verse 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, Verse 29so that no one might boast in the presence of God. Verse 30He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, Verse 31in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Devotion
One of the blogs I sometimes read is from a North Dakotan named Trygve Hammer. In one of his posts he reflected on the value of morality and character, based on his experience as a U.S. Marine officer during the war in Iraq. He wrote, “Intelligence without humility or cleverness without kindness leads to con men, conniving corporate climbers, and various other jerks.”
I think Trygve must understand along with Saint Paul that God’s wisdom is often at odds with what in this world counts for wisdom, influence, and power. That was demonstrated most clearly in the cross of Christ. The richness of God’s grace is found in the humblest of people and places and in the likes of you and me.
Prayer
O God and fountain of wisdom, help us not to value human intelligence too highly or to regard humble service too lowly. Equip us with a godly wisdom which surpasses human intelligence and displays itself in sincere faith and genuine love. Amen.
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