For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? -I Corinthians 1:19, 20
The Scripture reminds us of the prophet Isaiah where in Isaiah 29:14 the Bible says that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. What the world believes to be foolishness, God has shown to be the hope of the world. The cross of Christ has always stood in direct opposition to the wisdom of the world; there is no getting around that.
The world says there is no God. The cross reminds us that the Word, which was God, became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The world says that we are all fine to do our own thing however we want to do it. The cross reminds us that there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). The world says that we live, we die, and that’s that. The cross reminds us that the end of life here is the beginning of eternity. The world says that it’s all up to you to make the best of life. The cross reminds us that through faith in Jesus Christ we can be what God would have us to be. The world says that it’s all about you. The cross reminds us that it’s all about Jesus Christ. The world teaches that the heavens and the earth began as some great cosmic accident. The cross reminds us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Here is another thought to consider: A great mind becomes a better mind through faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord is not about us being ignorant, but rather the Lord is about us being enlightened. Some of the smartest, most intelligent, and brightest people I have ever known were followers of Jesus Christ. Recall what Paul told a young pastor named Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God. A workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). God has always been about revealing to us the nature of true wisdom. When the one who thinks he is wise begins to look to God and His Word, then he realizes that his wisdom is nothing when compared to the wisdom of God. It’s a grand slam and a slam dunk against those who set their wisdom up against the Living God.
The best wisdom, that which will carry us through the trials and troubles of life, can be found in the Word of God. Such wisdom comes alive to us in a deeply personal way when we trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. The troubled soul can find peace, comfort, and joy through a personal relationship with Christ. From that blessed relationship we can then grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom.
