1 Corinthians 3:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Here he prescribes humility, and a modest opinion of themselves, for the remedy of the irregularities in the church of Corinth, the divisions and contests among them: ?Let no man deceive himself, 1 Cor. 3:18. Do not be led away from the truth and simplicity of the gospel by pretenders to science and eloquence, by a show of deep learning, or a flourish of words, by rabbis, orators, or philosophers.? Note, We are in great danger of deceiving ourselves when we have too high an opinion of human... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 3:16-22

3:16-22 Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that the Spirit of God has his dwelling place in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy and you are that temple. Let no one deceive you. If any one among you thinks he is wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it stands written, "He who clutches the wise in their cunning craftiness"; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God ,.... The wisdom of the Jewish, or Gentile world. It is had in no account with him; it is despised and neglected by him; he makes it foolish, destroys it, and brings it to nothing; he lays it aside as useless, to make men wise unto salvation, and by the foolishness of preaching saves them that believe; he passes by the wise and prudent, and hides the things of the Gospel from them; so, that, with all their learning and wisdom, they can... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 3:19

The wisdom of this world - Whether it be the pretended deep and occult wisdom of the rabbins, or the wire-drawn speculations of the Grecian philosophers, is foolishness with God; for as folly consists in spending time, strength, and pains to no purpose, so these may be fitly termed fools who acquire no saving knowledge by their speculations. And is not this the case with the major part of all that is called philosophy, even in the present day? Has one soul been made wise unto salvation... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 3:19

Verse 19 19.For the wisdom of this world This is an argument taken from things opposite. To maintain the one is to overturn the other. As, therefore, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, it follows that we cannot be wise in the sight of God, unless we are fools in the view of the world. We have already explained (1 Corinthians 1:20) what he means by the wisdom of this world; for natural perspicacity is a gift of God, and the liberal arts, and all the sciences by which wisdom is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:13-23

The cure for the party spirit. Having still in mind the difficulty occasioned by those who claimed to be superior teachers; and gathered parties round them, the apostle proceeds to show that merely human wisdom is in itself worthless for spiritual purposes, and, therefore, that the possession of it alone is no reason for the exaltation of the teacher who is endowed with it." A man over confident in his superior knowledge is always a dangerous man. The most learned are always the most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

The peril and folly of glorying in men. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Believers as the temple of God. Previously St. Paul had said, "Ye are God's building;" and now he adds, "Ye are the temple of God." Along with this comes the idea of sanctity: "The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." If, then, these Corinthians were the temple of God, and if the Spirit of God dwelt in them, no stronger motive could bear upon them than the need of holiness; and this holiness is a personal matter. "If any man"—whoever he be and whatever his gifts—"if any man defile... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Worldly wisdom. "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. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." The "wisdom" here referred to is what Paul calls elsewhere "fleshly wisdom," the "wisdom of the world," or of the age. It is the same wisdom as he refers to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

The way to wisdom. "Wisdom" is one of the key words of these early chapters of the Epistle. Here again the contrast between true and false wisdom appears in the form of a warning against self conceit. "Let no man deceive himself." I. TO BE WISE WE MUST FIRST BECOME FOOLS . The wisdom of this world has its uses within its own sphere, but it is no help to the understanding of the things of God. It is a hindrance which must be removed ere we cart learn the Divine wisdom.... read more

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