1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

'Where is the wise?' -'philosopher' (Gspd). The man "wise" in the eyes of other men. (1 Corinthians 1:26) This verse is an echo of Isaiah 2:18. where the collapse of the Assyrian plans against Jerusalem were celebrated.

'scribe' -The Jewish experts in the Law.

'disputer of this world?' -'logician' (Wms); 'subtle debater' (NEB). regular term for. disputant in the Greek philosophic schools.

'And what of the "critic" of the age?...What of the one who thinks he has the whole thing worked out? Where did their "wisdom" end? Did it bring redemption to. perishing world? Did pagan cunning or Jewish critical ability really get them anywhere?' [Note:. McGuiggan p. 34]

'of this world' -'this passing age' (NEB).. wisdom that is limited to. very short period of time.. wisdom that is worldly, and rises no higher than the physical plane.

'hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?' -Many considered the message of the cross foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18); and yet it is that message of salvation, that really shows how foolish all human systems of "self-deliverance" are!

Modern Application:

How does. crucified Messiah make the following look? Reincarnation. Humanism. Everyone is on the same road to heaven. Evolution. Pleasure is the chief aim in life. Pain and suffering disprove the existence of God. Pain and suffering are only illusions. I'm. good moral person, and. don't need to be religious.