The Folly of Human Wisdom
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
1 Corinthians 1:20–25
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.
Devotional
Paul wrote to a culture that celebrated wisdom, philosophy, and rhetoric. The Corinthians admired human brilliance. Yet Paul insists that the gospel centred on the cross of Christ, looks foolish by human standards. A crucified Messiah was the opposite of worldly wisdom, yet it was the deepest expression of God’s wisdom.
This passage reminds us that human projects of knowledge and intelligence, even the most dazzling, cannot reach God. AI may out-calculate us, but it can never reveal salvation. The most complex neural network cannot produce grace.
The gospel of Christ crucified stands as God’s eternal declaration: wisdom is not found in human achievement but in divine self-giving love.
When the world pursues knowledge for power, the cross shows us knowledge for love. It confronts us with a wisdom so high that it humbles every human tower.
Question to consider
How does the “foolishness” of the cross challenge the way you think about knowledge, power, and progress?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that the cross shows a wisdom deeper than human thought. Help me trust in your wisdom rather than the passing brilliance of this age.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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