1 Corinthians

27 Rather, God chosea the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak things of the world to shame the strong, 28 the lowly things of this world, the despised things, and the things that are considered “nothing” to bring to nothing the “somethings”b 29 so that no one may boast in his presence.c 30 Because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”d

1 Corinthians 2 1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming God’s mysterye with lofty speechf or human wisdom. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, fear, and much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not spoken with wise, persuasive words but with a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and powerg 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on God’s power. 6 We, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age (who are coming to nothing). 7 Rather, we declare God’s wisdom, previously hidden in a mystery that God appointed beforehand, before time began,h for our glory, 8 that none of the rulers of this age understood; for if they had understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written:i

a “God chose” is repeated twice in verse 27 and at the start of verse 28. b Literally, “the things that are.” c Literally, “so that all flesh might not boast before him.” d See Jeremiah 9:24. e Some manuscripts, “God’s testimony.” f “Lofty”: in the sense of “impressive” or “overbearing” speech. g Or “of the Holy Spirit’s power.” h Literally, “before the ages.” i The following quote appears to be a combination of Isaiah 52:15; 64:4; Ezekiel 40:4 and 44:5, along with 1:10 from the apocryphal book of Sirach.