1 Corinthians 3v18-20
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. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” (ESV)
Context/References: See Proverbs 3v5-7, Job 38v42, Job 5v30, Psalm 94v11, John 1v1&14, 1 Corinthians 1v24, Colossians 2v2-3,
Critical Concepts: Christ is both the incarnate, eternal Wisdom and Word of God.
Consider the following:
- A caution to the self-deceived
Man deceives himself (v18). If you think you are wise, (see Prov. 3v7-8, James 1v22, Jer. 17v9, Gal. 6v3, Prov. 14v12 and Prov. 16v25). Humble yourself and seek true wisdom from God. Do not rely on your own understanding.
- A call to self-deprecation
Paul calls us to self-deprecation (deprecation is to warn yourself off). We must realize what we learn from the world is foolishness and turn to God (see James 3v13-18). - The craftiness of the self-deceived
a) The fountain of worldly wisdom: the wisdom of this world (see 1 Cor. 20, Col. 2v8, Rom. 1v22).
b) The fate of the worldly wise: God captures the wise in their craftiness (see Job 5v13, Gen. 3v1-7).
c) Perils and pitfalls of AI (Artificial Intelligence): there are ethical dilemmas, potential job displacement, economic problems and security risks (see Psalm 94v11,).
d) Follow Christ: there is nothing artificial about Christ (see Mat. 17v5). No-one ever spoke like Christ, from whom we hear the very mind and heart of God. We must not reject the cross of Christ (1 Cor. v18-19), but embrace it!