1 Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 19
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19: γεγραπται γαρ απολω την σοφιαν των σοφων και την συνεσιν των συνετων αθετησω
19: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and
will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
19: For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: and the
prudence of the prudent I will reject.
For it is written. This passage is quoted from Isa 29:14, The Hebrew of the passage, as rendered in the English version, is, "The wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." The version of the Seventy is, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of the prudent I will hide," kruqw corresponding substantially with the quotation by Paul. The sense in the Hebrew is not materially different. The meaning of the passage as used by Isaiah is, that such was the iniquity and stupidity of "Ariel," Isa 29:1, that is, Jerusalem, that God would so execute his judgments as to confound their wise men, and overwhelm those who boasted of their understanding. Those in whom they had confided, and on whom they relied, should appear to be bereft of their wisdom; and they should be made conscious of their own want of counsel to meet and remove the impending calamities. The apostle does not affirm that this passage in Isaiah refers to the times of the gospel. The contrary is manifestly true. But it expresses a general principle of the Divine administration -- that the coming forth of God is often such as to confound human prudence; in a manner which human wisdom would not have devised; and in such a way as to show that he is not dependent on the wisdom of man. As such, the sentiment is applicable to the gospel; and expresses just the idea which the apostle wished to convey -- that the wisdom of the wise should be confounded by the plan of God; and the schemes of human devising be set at nought.
I will destroy. That is, I will abolish; or will not be dependent on it; or will show that my plans are not derived from the counsels of men.
The wisdom of the wise. The professed wisdom of philosophers.
And will bring to nothing. Will show it to be of no value in this matter.
The prudent. The men professing understanding; the sages of the world.
