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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/3-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/46_1Co_03_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 3:20 - Worldly Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And again, The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." /><script type="application/javascript" 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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:19">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 3:20 <a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and again, &#8220The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and again, "<i>The</i> Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE useless.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and again, &#8220THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of the [humanly] wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Scriptures also say, "The Lord knows that the plans made by wise people are useless." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Again Scripture says, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are pointless."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and another scripture says, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And again, "The Lord takes knowledge of the reasonings of the wise--how useless they are."<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />And again, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and again, “The LORD knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and again, "<i>The</i> Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and again, 'The Lord doth know the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And again, The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And again: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And again, The LORD knows that the thoughts of the wise are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And again, “THE LORD JEHOVAH knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are worthless.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And again: The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And again,<RX 19.94.11> ?The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are futile.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and again, "the Lord knows, that the thoughts of the wise are vain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And again, "The Lord takes knowledge of the reasonings of the wise--how useless they are."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And again, "The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and again, "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=592" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worldly Wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19</span>For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">again,</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">“The Lord</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">knows</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1261.htm" title="1261: dialogismous (N-AMP) -- From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.">thoughts</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophōn (Adj-GMP) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">wise</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3152.htm" title="3152: mataioi (Adj-NMP) -- Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.">futile.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-11.htm">Psalm 94:11</a></span><br />The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-13.htm">Job 5:13</a></span><br />He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a></span><br />For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15</a></span><br />Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a></span><br />Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-9.htm">Jeremiah 8:9</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:23-24</a></span><br />All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. / What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">1 Corinthians 1:19</a></span><br />For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17-18</a></span><br />So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. / They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.</p><p class="hdg">the lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/94-11.htm">Psalm 94:11</a></b></br> The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they <i>are</i> vanity.</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/11-11.htm">Job 11:11,12</a></b></br> For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider <i>it</i>? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1</a></b></br> Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21</a></b></br> Because that, when they knew God, they glorified <i>him</i> not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Reasoning</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-8.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-17.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Milk is fit for children.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">He who plants and He who waters are nothing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">The ministers are God's fellow workmen.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Christ the only foundation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>And again,</b><br>This phrase indicates a continuation or reinforcement of a previous argument. Paul is reiterating a point he has made earlier in the letter, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's wisdom rather than human wisdom. This repetition serves to remind the Corinthians of the importance of divine wisdom over human understanding.<p><b>“The Lord knows</b><br>This phrase underscores God's omniscience. In the biblical context, God's knowledge is complete and perfect, contrasting with human limitations. The assertion that "The Lord knows" is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to discern the true nature of human thoughts and intentions. This aligns with passages like <a href="/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a>, which speaks of God's intimate knowledge of every person.<p><b>that the thoughts of the wise</b><br>Here, "the wise" refers to those who are considered wise by worldly standards. In Corinth, a city known for its philosophical schools and intellectual pursuits, human wisdom was highly valued. Paul challenges this by suggesting that what is deemed wise by human standards is not necessarily aligned with God's wisdom. This echoes the earlier theme in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a>, where Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.<p><b>are futile.”</b><br>The term "futile" implies that human wisdom, apart from God, is ultimately ineffective and without lasting value. This reflects the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and that human efforts, when not aligned with divine purposes, are ultimately in vain. This idea is supported by passages like <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2</a>, where the Preacher declares the vanity of human endeavors without God. The futility of human wisdom is a call to seek God's guidance and understanding, recognizing that only His wisdom leads to eternal truth and fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a></b><br>A diverse and often divided early Christian community facing issues of division, immorality, and misunderstanding of spiritual wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a></b><br>Refers to God, who is omniscient and understands the true nature of human thoughts and wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>In this context, those who consider themselves wise by worldly standards, often in contrast to God's wisdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalm_94_-11.htm">Psalm 94:11</a></b><br>The Old Testament scripture Paul references, emphasizing God's knowledge of human thoughts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limitations of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>Human wisdom, when detached from God, is ultimately futile. We must seek wisdom that aligns with God's truth and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omniscience.htm">God's Omniscience</a></b><br>God knows all thoughts and intentions. We should live transparently before Him, seeking His guidance and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_wisdom.htm">The Source of True Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God and is characterized by humility, purity, and peace. We should strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride_in_wisdom.htm">The Danger of Pride in Wisdom</a></b><br>Pride in one's own understanding can lead to spiritual blindness. We must remain humble and teachable, acknowledging our dependence on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_church.htm">Unity in the Church</a></b><br>Divisions often arise from reliance on human wisdom. By seeking God's wisdom, we can foster unity and harmony within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_definition_of_actual_grace.htm">How can a young man purify his path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_view_wise_vs._foolish_women.htm">How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_colossians_2_8_align_with_paul.htm">Colossians 2:8 warns against human philosophy; how does this align with Paul's own engagement with philosophical arguments elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/two_or_three_witnesses_needed.htm">When should you search and when should you give up?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord knoweth,</span> etc. A quotation from <a href="/psalms/94-11.htm">Psalm 94:11</a>. St. Paul substitutes "the wise" for the "men" of the original, because the psalmist is referring to perverse despisers of God. <span class="accented">Dialogismoi</span> is rather "reasonings" than "thoughts." It is used in a disparaging sense, as in <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">again,</span><br /><span class="grk">πάλιν</span> <span class="translit">(palin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“[The] Lord</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριος</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knows</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκει</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thoughts</span><br /><span class="grk">διαλογισμοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(dialogismous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1261.htm">Strong's 1261: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wise</span><br /><span class="grk">σοφῶν</span> <span class="translit">(sophōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσὶν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">futile.”</span><br /><span class="grk">μάταιοι</span> <span class="translit">(mataioi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3152.htm">Strong's 3152: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">1 Corinthians 3:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/3-20.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again The Lord knows the reasoning (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:21" /></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>