The Message of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is [the] power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[fn]

20 

Where [is the] wise [man]? Where [is] [the] scribe? Where [is] [the] philosopher of this age? {Has} not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?[fn] 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through [its] wisdom {did} not know [Him], God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

22 

Jews demand a sign[fn] and Greeks search for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks,[fn] 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [the] power of God and [the] wisdom of God.

25 

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s [wisdom],[fn] and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s [strength].

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