18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not come to know God through its own wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: not many of you were wise by worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no flesh might boast before God. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."