¹⁵ This is not ^(A)the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, ^(B)demonic.

¹⁷ But ^(A)the wisdom from above is first pure, then ^(B)peaceable, gentle, open to reason, ^(C)full of mercy and good fruits, ^(D)impartial and ^(E)sincere.

^17 (A)Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from ^(B)the Father of lights, ^(C)with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.^[a]

¹⁹ For ^(A)the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ^(B)“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

^19 (A)Their end is destruction, ^(B)their god is their belly, and ^(C)they glory in their shame, with ^(D)minds set on earthly things.

¹⁴ The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are ^(A)folly to him, and ^(B)he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

¹³ For such men are ^(A)false apostles, ^(B)deceitful workmen, ^(C)disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as ^(D)an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as ^(E)servants of righteousness. ^(F)Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Paul's Change of Plans

¹² For our boast is this, ^(A)the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity^[a] and ^(B)godly sincerity, ^(C)not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

^5 (A)If any of you lacks wisdom, ^(B)let him ask God, ^(C)who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.