1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Original Language Analysis
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
2 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
δοκεῖ
seemeth
G1380
δοκεῖ
seemeth
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
6 of 19
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνι
world
G165
αἰῶνι
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
μωρὸς
a fool
G3474
μωρὸς
a fool
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
15 of 19
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
γένηται
he may be
G1096
γένηται
he may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.Matthew 18:4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Luke 18:17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.James 1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Mark 10:15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Jeremiah 8:8How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
Historical Context
Corinth prized Greek philosophical sophistication—rhetorical skill, logical argumentation, speculative wisdom. The church imported this value system, preferring eloquent teachers and despising Paul's 'plain speech' (2 Corinthians 11:6). Paul subverts their entire framework: what they call wisdom is folly; what they call folly (the cross) is God's wisdom (1:18-25).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you trusting worldly wisdom—conventional success metrics, cultural values, 'practical' compromises—rather than gospel foolishness?
- What would it look like for you to 'become a fool' in your career, relationships, or church involvement—embracing apparent foolishness for Christ's sake?
- How can you discern between legitimate use of human wisdom (education, planning, prudence) versus the worldly wisdom Paul condemns?
Analysis & Commentary
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise (μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός, mōros genesthō, hina genētai sophos)—Paul returns to the wisdom theme from chapters 1-2. Dokei (δοκεῖ, 'seems/thinks himself') indicates self-deception, not genuine wisdom. To become (γενέσθω, aorist imperative) a fool is a decisive act of repudiation—rejecting worldly wisdom's categories and criteria.
The paradox is profound: worldly wisdom and divine wisdom are antithetical. To be wise in this world (ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, 'in this age') means operating by fallen reason, human traditions, and cultural values. True wisdom requires appearing foolish by those standards—believing in crucified Messiahs, loving enemies, seeking to serve rather than rule. Jesus blessed those who suffered for his sake, called his followers to lose their lives, and himself endured the cross, 'despising the shame' (Hebrews 12:2). Worldly wisdom maximizes comfort, status, and self-interest; divine wisdom embraces the 'foolishness' of self-sacrifice modeled at Calvary.