For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:19KJV
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1 Corinthians 3:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 3:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 3:19 says that what people in the world often call "wisdom" is actually foolishness to God, and God can easily catch those who think they are clever in their own tricks. The verse points out that God's view of wisdom is very different from human standards, and those who rely on their own cleverness will not outsmart God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group of Christians who were arguing about which teacher or leader was best. Paul reminds them that human pride and cleverness do not impress God. By quoting Scripture, Paul shows that God sees through human schemes and that true wisdom comes from God, not from the world’s way of thinking.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 3:19

  • "σοφία" (sophia, wisdom): This word refers to skill, cleverness, or wisdom. Here, it highlights the kind of wisdom valued by society, which Paul says is empty before God.
  • "μωρία" (mōria, foolishness): This word means foolishness or silliness. Paul uses it to show that what the world calls wise, God considers nonsense.
  • "πανουργίᾳ" (panourgia, craftiness): This word means trickery or cunning. Paul uses it to describe the cleverness of those who think they can outwit others, but God can trap them using their own schemes.

Why 1 Corinthians 3:19 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that human intelligence or clever strategies are enough to please God or to build up the church.
  • It connects to Paul’s wider message in 1 Corinthians that true wisdom comes from God and often looks very different from what the world admires.
  • The verse warns against pride and self-reliance, reminding readers that God is not fooled by outward displays of intelligence or skill.

Where else these words appear

“foolishness” Greek G3472 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

“craftiness” Greek G3834 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 20:23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
  • 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

“wise” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,