17 (A)For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, (B)not with [a]cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect.

The Wisdom of God

18 For the word of the cross is (C)foolishness to (D)those who [b]are perishing, but to us who [c]are being saved it is (E)the power of God. 19 For it is written:

(F)I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound.”

20 (G)Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of (H)this age? Has God not (I)made foolish the wisdom of (J)the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God (K)the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, (L)God [d]was pleased through the (M)foolishness of the [e]message preached to (N)save those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:17 I.e., persuasive rhetoric
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:18 Or perish
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:18 Or are saved
  4. 1 Corinthians 1:21 Or resolved
  5. 1 Corinthians 1:21 Lit preaching

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