1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Christian Standard Bible
The Folly of Human Wisdom
18 Let no one deceive(A) himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age,(B) let him become a fool(C) so that he can become wise.(D) 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness(E) with God, since it is written,(F) He catches the wise in their craftiness;[a](G) 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings(H) of the wise are futile.[b](I) 21 So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours(J)— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas(K) or the world or life(L) or death(M) or things present or things to come(N)—everything is yours, 23 and you belong to Christ,(O) and Christ belongs to God.
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1 Corinthians 3:18-23
New English Translation
18 Guard against self-deception, each of you.[a] If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”[b] 20 And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[c] 21 So then, no more boasting about mere mortals![d] For everything belongs to you, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas[e] or the world or life or death or the present or the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
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- 1 Corinthians 3:18 tn Grk “let no one deceive himself.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:19 sn A quotation from Job 5:13.
- 1 Corinthians 3:20 sn A quotation from Ps 94:11.
- 1 Corinthians 3:21 tn Grk “so then, let no one boast in men.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:22 sn Cephas. This individual is generally identified with the Apostle Peter (L&N 93.211). Both the Aramaic name “Cephas” and the Greek name “Peter” are related to words in each language which mean “rock.”
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