1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Boasting Only in the Lord

²⁶ Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective,^[a] not many powerful,^(A) not many of noble birth. ²⁷ Instead, God has chosen^(B) what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world^(C)—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, ²⁹ so that no one^[b] can boast in His presence.^{(D) 30} But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us—our righteousness,^(E) sanctification,^(F) and redemption,^{(G) 31} in order that, as it is written:^(H) The one who boasts must boast in the Lord.^(I)[c]

Paul’s Proclamation

2 When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony^[d] of God to you, I did not come with brilliance^(J) of speech^(K) or wisdom. ² For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.^{(L) 3} I came to you in weakness,^(M) in fear,^(N) and in much trembling.^{(O) 4} My speech^(P) and my proclamation were not with persuasive^(Q) words of wisdom^[e] but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, ⁵ so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.^(R)