For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless.”
–1 Corinthians 3:19-20

I sat on the deck of our summer camp cabin late one night when I heard the door ease open and one of my teen campers stepped out. She came beside me and started telling me her story.

As her story concluded, the questions came. At that moment, all the years of schooling and supposed knowledge and wisdom I’d acquired meant nothing; they couldn’t address the kinds of questions this girl was asking. My wisdom was insufficient, but God’s wisdom allowed me to respond in a way I probably couldn’t even explain now.

We like to think that all our years of education and life experience somehow make us wise. They do, but not in a way that really matters. Today’s verse reminds us that the wisdom of this world is worthless. It might get us increased pay or status, but it doesn’t teach us of the spiritual things of God.

1 Corinthians 1 and 2 talk about spiritual wisdom. James also encourages us to ask for wisdom if we lack it, promising that God will give it to us when we ask in faith (James 1:5-8).

If we allow God to work in and through us, it doesn’t matter what level of worldly wisdom we have attained, because He will give us His wisdom to do the task He has called us to do.

Prayer

God in Heaven, I pray for Your wisdom to rule in my life, that I may not depend on the world’s wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Reflection

In what ways do I depend on my own wisdom? How can I develop more fully the wisdom of God in my life?