19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"[1] ;

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 3:19

King James Version

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

English Standard Version

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness,"

The Message

19 Be God's fool - that's the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It's written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic.

New King James Version

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness";

New Living Translation

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:19

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

(Read 1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

To have a high opinion of our own wisdom, is but to flatter ourselves; and self-flattery is the next step to self-deceit. The wisdom that wordly men esteem, is foolishness with God. How justly does he despise, and how easily can he baffle and confound it! The thoughts of the wisest men in the world, have vanity, weakness, and folly in them. All this should teach us to be humble, and make us willing to be taught of God, so as not to be led away, by pretences to human wisdom and skill, from the simple truths revealed by Christ. Mankind are very apt to oppose the design of the mercies of God. Observe the spiritual riches of a true believer; "All are yours," even ministers and ordinances. Nay, the world itself is yours. Saints have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees fit for them, and they have it with the Divine blessing. Life is yours, that you may have a season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven; and death is yours, that you may go to the possession of it. It is the kind messenger to take you from sin and sorrow, and to guide you to your Father's house. Things present are yours, for your support on the road; things to come are yours, to delight you for ever at your journey's end. If we belong to Christ, and are true to him, all good belongs to us, and is sure to us. Believers are the subjects of his kingdom. He is Lord over us, we must own his dominion, and cheerfully submit to his command. God in Christ, reconciling a sinful world to himself, and pouring the riches of his grace on a reconciled world, is the sum and substance of the gospel.