²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world^(A) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save^(B) those who believe.^{(C) 22} Jews demand signs^(D) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(E) a stumbling block^(F) to Jews and foolishness^(G) to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called,^(H) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God^(I) and the wisdom of God.^{(J) 25} For the foolishness^(K) of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness^(L) of God is stronger than human strength.

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.^(M) Not many of you were wise^(N) by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose^(O) the foolish^(P) things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not^(Q)—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him.^{(R) 30} It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,^(S) who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness,^(T) holiness^(U) and redemption.^{(V) 31} Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”^[a](W)

¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(A)

²¹ For since death came through a man,^(A) the resurrection of the dead^(B) comes also through a man. ²² For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.^(C)