1 Corinthians 3:20

20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

1 Corinthians 3:20 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 3:20

And again
Not in the same place, nor in the same book, but in the Psalms, in ( Psalms 94:11 ) . This form of citing Scriptures answers to (dwew) and moreover, used by the Jewish doctors when the matter does not so clearly appear from the first proof, and therefore they produce another F17: and so here the apostle, for the further confirmation and illustration of this point, that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, to the testimony of Eliphaz, adds this of David,

the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain;
in the Psalms it is, "the Lord knoweth the thoughts of men, that they are vanity"; which the apostle not only cites, but explains and teaches; as that by men is meant men of wisdom and knowledge, of the greatest capacities, whose thoughts, reasonings, schemes, and devices, the omniscient God not only knows, but makes known, and discovers them, sooner or later, to be vain and fruitless, yea, vanity itself; and notwithstanding all their machinations and contrivances, his counsel shall stand, his Gospel shall be maintained, his truths shall prevail, and his ordinances shall be continued, and his work go on.


FOOTNOTES:

F17 Vid. Surenhusii Biblos Katallages, p. 11, 531.

1 Corinthians 3:20 In-Context

18 Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness,"
20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."
21 So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours,
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you,
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.