1 Corinthians 3:20

20 It is also written, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise don't amount to anything."(Psalm 94:11)

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 Don't fool yourselves. Suppose some of you think you are wise by the standards of the world. Then you should become a "fool" so that you can become wise.
19 The wisdom of this world is foolish in God's eyes. It is written, "God catches wise people in their own tricks."(Job 5:13)
20 It is also written, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise don't amount to anything."(Psalm 94:11)
21 So no more bragging about human beings! All things are yours.
22 That means Paul or Apollos or Peter or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All are yours.
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