²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.^(A) Not many of you were wise^(B) by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose^(C) the foolish^(D) things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(A) that has been hidden^(B) and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age^(C) understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.^(D)

The Father Revealed in the Son^(A)

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father,^(B) Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.^(C)

Advancement Is Meaningless

¹³ Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.

⁶ But you have dishonored the poor.^(A) Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?^{(B) 7} Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

⁴⁸ “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?^(A)