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If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become &#8220fools&#8221 so that you may become wise. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks himself to be wise in this age, let him become foolish, so that he may become wise. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't fool yourselves! If any of you think you are wise in the things of this world, you will have to become foolish before you can be truly wise. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise in the ways of this world, you should give up that wisdom in order to become really wise. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> You should not fool yourself. If any of you think that you are wise by this world's standards, you should become a fool, in order to be really wise. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in the ways of this world, he must become a fool to become really wise. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Guard against self-deception, each of you. If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this age, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any man imagines that he is wise, compared with the rest of you, with the wisdom of the present age, let him become "foolish" so that he may be wise.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool that he may become wise. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Let no one deceive himself; if anyone seems to be wise among you in this age—let him become a fool, that he may become wise, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks himself to be wise in this age, let him become foolish, so that he may become wise. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Let no one deceive himself; if any one doth seem to be wise among you in this age -- let him become a fool, that he may become wise, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Let none completely deceive himself. If any think to be wise in this life, let him be foolish, that he may he wise.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Let no man deceive himself: if any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become foolish, so that he may be truly wise. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Let no man deceive himself. Whoever among you thinks he is wise in this world, let him consider himself a fool so that he may become wise. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Let no man deceive himself; whoever among you thinks that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself: if any one among you is considered as wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any one seems to be wise among you in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinketh himself a wise man in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let no man deceive himself: if any among you pretends to worldly wisdom, let him commence fool, in order to be truly wise. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any man imagines that he is wise, compared with the rest of you, with the wisdom of the present age, let him become "foolish" so that he may be wise. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you thinks that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let no one deceive himself: if any among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be truly wise. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=571" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worldly Wisdom</a> …17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18<a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: Mēdeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">Let no one</a> <a href="/greek/1818.htm" title="1818: exapatatō (V-PMA-3S) -- To deceive thoroughly. From ek and apatao; to seduce wholly.">deceive</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">himself.</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">any</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">thinks</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he is</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophos (Adj-NMS) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">wise</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/165.htm" title="165: aiōni (N-DMS) -- From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.">age,</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genesthō (V-AMM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">he should become</a> <a href="/greek/3474.htm" title="3474: mōros (Adj-NMS) -- Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.">a fool,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">he may become</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophos (Adj-NMS) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">wise.</a> 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a> Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ... <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a> Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. <a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a> Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a> Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20-21</a> Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a> For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a> The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a> If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Job 5:13</a> He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. <a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a> The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">2 Corinthians 11:19</a> For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.deceive.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9</a> Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,<a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a> Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.<a href="/proverbs/5-7.htm">Proverbs 5:7</a> Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.If.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-21</a> For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10</a> We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.<a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1,2</a> Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth… let.<a href="/matthew/18-4.htm">Matthew 18:4</a> Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.<a href="/mark/10-15.htm">Mark 10:15</a> Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.<a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Luke 18:17</a> Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/2-8.htm">Age</a> <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">False.</a> <a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/acts/28-6.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">Imagines</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-8.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/acts/25-27.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Standards</a> <a href="/luke/8-18.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/romans/14-14.htm">Thinks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Age</a> <a href="/1_john/2-22.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">False.</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-18.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">Imagines</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Standards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Thinks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-2.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 3</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Milk is fit for children.</a> 3. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">He who plants and He who waters are nothing.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">The ministers are God's fellow workmen.</a> 11. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Christ the only foundation.</a> 16. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.</a> 19. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Let no one deceive himself. This phrase serves as a warning against self-deception, a common theme in Scripture. The Bible frequently cautions believers to examine themselves and their motives (<a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a>). In the context of Corinth, a city known for its intellectual pride and philosophical debates, Paul addresses the tendency to rely on human wisdom rather than divine truth. The warning echoes the Old Testament, where the heart is described as deceitful (<a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>). It underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in the Christian walk.If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, Paul challenges the Corinthian believers who pride themselves on worldly wisdom. The phrase "in this age" refers to the temporal and often flawed understanding of the world, contrasting with the eternal wisdom of God. The Greco-Roman culture valued rhetoric and philosophy, and many Corinthians were influenced by these ideals. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God's wisdom often contradicts human expectations (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). The phrase invites believers to evaluate their understanding against the eternal truths of Scripture.he should become a fool, This paradoxical statement highlights the biblical principle that true wisdom often appears foolish to the world (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a>). By "becoming a fool," Paul means rejecting the pride and self-reliance associated with worldly wisdom. This concept is exemplified in the life of Jesus, whose teachings and actions were often misunderstood and ridiculed by the religious leaders of His time. The call to become a fool is an invitation to embrace the countercultural values of the Kingdom of God.so that he may become wise. The ultimate goal is to attain true wisdom, which comes from God. This wisdom is characterized by humility, faith, and a reliance on divine revelation rather than human intellect. <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a> describes this wisdom as pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy. The transformation from worldly wisdom to godly wisdom is a process of spiritual growth and maturity, aligning one's life with the teachings of Christ. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship, where believers are called to renew their minds and live according to God's truth (<a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance and correction. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and divided early Christian community struggling with issues of wisdom, division, and spiritual maturity. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, cultural diversity, and philosophical schools, which influenced the church's understanding of wisdom. 4. <a href="/topical/g/greek_philosophers.htm">Greek Philosophers</a> Represent the worldly wisdom prevalent in Corinth, which Paul contrasts with the wisdom of God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a> A concept Paul uses to describe those who reject worldly wisdom to embrace the wisdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/self-deception_and_humility.htm">Self-Deception and Humility</a> We must guard against self-deception by evaluating our understanding of wisdom. True wisdom begins with humility and the fear of the Lord. <a href="/topical/w/worldly_wisdom_vs._godly_wisdom.htm">Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom</a> The wisdom of this world often contradicts God's wisdom. We should seek wisdom that aligns with God's Word, even if it appears foolish to the world. <a href="/topical/b/becoming_a_'fool'_for_christ.htm">Becoming a 'Fool' for Christ</a> Embracing the gospel may require us to reject societal norms and values. We should be willing to be seen as 'fools' for the sake of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_the_spirit.htm">Transformation through the Spirit</a> True wisdom and understanding come through the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, transforming us to reflect Christ's character. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> Engage with fellow believers to discern and grow in wisdom, holding each other accountable to God's standards rather than the world's.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'persecuted_not_forsaken'.htm">How does wisdom lead to foolishness?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fools.htm">What does the Bible say about fools?</a> <a href="/q/do_higher_iqs_correlate_with_atheism.htm">What defines a godless person and godlessness?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_cor_3_19_oppose_biblical_wisdom.htm">Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 3:19, by labeling worldly wisdom as foolishness, promote anti-intellectualism and conflict with biblical passages that encourage knowledge?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Passing from the difference between the work of one teacher and that of another, which has occupied him since <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm" title="Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?">1Corinthians 3:5</a>, the Apostle now returns to the subject from which he branched off there (the magnifying of one teacher above another), and proceeds to show (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/3-18.htm" title="Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.">1Corinthians 3:18-21</a>) 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. For the full meaning of the "wisdom" which the Apostle speaks of here, see <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm" title="Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?">1Corinthians 1:20</a>.Let him become a fool--i.e., in the sight of the world, in order that he may become "wise" in the sight of God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Let no man deceive himself. Like the other formula, "Be not deceived" (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>); "Deceive not yourselves" (<a href="/jeremiah/37-9.htm">Jeremiah 37:9</a>); "Let no man deceive you" (Marl 24:4; <a href="/luke/21-8.htm">Luke 21:8</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a>). We are so liable to self deception (<a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a>), as well as to being deceived by others (<a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">2 Timothy 3:13</a>), that there was need to repeat this warning incessantly. Seemeth to be wise; rather, thinketh that he is wise. He is referring specially to the Apollos party, who vaunted their esoteric knowledge, and so were "wise in their own eyes, prudent in their own conceits" (<a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Let} no one Μηδεὶς (Mēdeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> No one, none, nothing. deceive ἐξαπατάτω (exapatatō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> To deceive thoroughly. From ek and apatao; to seduce wholly. himself. ἑαυτὸν (heauton) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. If εἴ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. any τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. thinks δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. he is εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. wise σοφὸς (sophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. this τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. age, αἰῶνι (aiōni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_165.htm">Strong's 165: </a> From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period. he should become γενέσθω (genesthō) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a fool, μωρὸς (mōros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. he may become γένηται (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. wise. σοφός (sophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>