1 Corinthians 3:20

20 and again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of wise men, for those be vain [for they be vain].

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 No man deceive himself. If any man among you is seen to be wise in this world, be he made a fool, that he be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God; for it is written, I shall catch wise men in their fell wisdom [I shall catch wise men in their fell wisdom, or subtle guile];
20 and again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of wise men, for those be vain [for they be vain].
21 Therefore no man have glory in men [And so no man glory in men]. For all things be yours,
22 either Paul, either Apollos, either Cephas, either the world, either life, either death, either things present, either things to coming [either things to come]; for all things be yours,
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.