1 Corinthians 3:18
Verse
Context
God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom
17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.18Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man among you seemeth to be wise - Ει τις δοκει σοφος ειναι· If any pretend or affect to be wise. This seems to refer to some individual in the Church of Corinth, who had been very troublesome to its peace and unity: probably Diotrephes (see on Co1 1:14 (note)) or some one of a similar spirit, who wished to have the pre-eminence, and thought himself wiser than seven men that could render a reason. Every Christian Church has less or more of these. Let him become a fool - Let him divest himself of his worldly wisdom, and be contented to be called a fool, and esteemed one, that he may become wise unto salvation, by renouncing his own wisdom, and seeking that which comes from God. But probably the apostle refers to him who, pretending to great wisdom and information, taught doctrines contrary to the Gospel; endeavoring to show reasons for them, and to support his own opinions with arguments which he thought unanswerable. This man brought his worldly wisdom to bear against the doctrines of Christ; and probably through such teaching many of the scandalous things which the apostle reprehends among the Corinthians originated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
seemeth--that is, is, and is regarded by himself and others. wise in this world--wise in mere worldly wisdom (Co1 1:20). let him become a fool--by receiving the Gospel in its unworldly simplicity, and so becoming a fool in the world's sight [ALFORD]. Let him no longer think himself wise, but seek the true wisdom from God, bringing his understanding into captivity to the obedience of faith [ESTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let no man deceive himself,.... With vain notions of serving God and religion, and of doing the churches good by his carnal and worldly wisdom, and with false hopes of escaping the vengeance of God for sowing the tares of error, heresy, and discord among his people. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world; either a member of them, or a preacher among them, who thought himself wise in worldly wisdom; or was desirous to be thought so by others; or would be a truly wise man in this world, whilst he lives in it, and before he goes out of it: let him become a fool that he may be wise; not that, properly speaking, folly is the way to wisdom; but that that man that would be wise in a spiritual sense, must first learn to know himself; must be convinced of, and acknowledge his own folly, embrace the Gospel of Christ, which is esteemed foolishness by the world; submit to the ordinances of Christ, which are despised by men; and take up the cross of Christ, and follow him, bear reproach and persecution for his sake, than which nothing is more ridiculous with carnal men: he must deny his worldly wisdom, his carnal and righteous self, and wholly rest and rely on Christ, and his righteousness, for eternal life and happiness, and so will he become truly wise unto salvation. The Jews (p) have a saying, "that everyone , "that makes himself a fool", for the words of the law, at the end, shall be exalted.'' (p) Raya Mehimua in Zohar in Numb. fol. 104. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here he prescribes humility, and a modest opinion of themselves, for the remedy of the irregularities in the church of Corinth, the divisions and contests among them: "Let no man deceive himself, Co1 3:18. Do not be led away from the truth and simplicity of the gospel by pretenders to science and eloquence, by a show of deep learning, or a flourish of words, by rabbis, orators, or philosophers." Note, We are in great danger of deceiving ourselves when we have too high an opinion of human wisdom and arts; plain and pure Christianity will be likely to be despised by those who can suit their doctrines to the corrupt taste of their hearers, and set them off with fine language, or support them with a show of deep and strong reasoning. But he who seems to be wise must become a fool that he may be wise. He must be sensible of his own ignorance, and lament it; he must distrust his own understanding, and not lean on it. To have a high opinion of our wisdom is but to flatter ourselves, and self-flattery is the very next step to self-deceit. The way to true wisdom is to sink our opinion of our own to a due level, and be willing to be taught of God. He must become a fool who would be truly and thoroughly wise. The person who resigns his own understanding, that he may follow the instruction of God, is in the way to true and everlasting wisdom. The meek will he guide in judgment, the meek will he teach his way, Psa 25:9. He that has a low opinion of his own knowledge and powers will submit to better information; such a person may be informed and improved by revelation: but the proud man, conceited of his own wisdom and understanding, will undertake to correct even divine wisdom itself, and prefer his own shallow reasonings to the revelations of infallible truth and wisdom. Note, We must abase ourselves before God if we would be either truly wise or good: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, Co1 3:19. The wisdom which worldly men esteem (policy, philosophy, oratory) is foolishness with God. It is so in a way of comparison with his wisdom. He chargeth his angels with folly (Job 4:18), and much more the wisest among the children of men. His understanding is infinite, Psa 147:5. There can be no more comparison between his wisdom and ours than between his power and being and ours. There is no common measure by which to compare finite and infinite. And much more is the wisdom of man foolishness with God when set in competition with his. How justly does he despise, how easily can he baffle and confound it! He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (Job 5:13), he catches them in their own nets, and entangles them in their own snares: he turns their most studies, plausible, and promising schemes against themselves, and ruins them by their own contrivance. Nay, He knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (Co1 3:20), that they are vanity, Psa 94:11. Note, God has a perfect knowledge of the thoughts of men, the deepest thoughts of the wisest men, their most secret counsels and purposes: nothing is hidden from him, but all things are naked and bare before him, Heb 4:13. And he knows them to be vanity. The thoughts of the wisest men in the world have a great mixture of vanity, of weakness and folly, in them; and before God their wisest and best thoughts are very vanity, compared, I mean, with his thoughts of things. And should not all this teach us modesty, diffidence in ourselves, and a deference to the wisdom of God, make us thankful for his revelations, and willing to be taught of God, and not be led away by specious pretences to human wisdom and skill, from the simplicity of Christ, or a regard to his heavenly doctrine? Note, He who would be wise indeed must learn of God, and not set his own wisdom up in competition with God's.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18-20 Here Paul returns to the contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom (see 1:18-25). Using Old Testament quotations, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be willing to appear foolish in the eyes of the world so that they may be truly wise in God’s eyes.
1 Corinthians 3:18
God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom
17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.18Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves
By Zac Poonen3.8K1:00:531CO 3:182CO 11:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8REV 12:9This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humility, being prepared to address conflicts, controlling our speech, and acknowledging our sinful nature. The message underscores the significance of being doers of God's word, recognizing the impact of our actions and words, and avoiding self-deception by staying grounded in truth.
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:56PSA 25:9PRO 3:7PRO 11:2PRO 22:4MAT 11:251CO 3:18PHP 2:31TI 4:1JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisdom. The speaker warns against relying solely on human intelligence when approaching the Scriptures, stressing the need for humility and dependence on God's teaching to avoid self-deception and falling prey to deceitful spirits.
The Spirit of Anti Christ
By Erlo Stegen7751:04:43PRO 2:6MAT 7:151CO 3:182CO 11:141TH 5:212TH 2:3JAS 3:171JN 2:181JN 4:1This sermon delves into the topic of the Antichrist as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2, warning against deception and the spirit of lawlessness already at work. It emphasizes the need for discernment, urging listeners to test all teachings against the truth of the Bible. The story of a woman deceived on a train serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and not blindly following false knowledge. Additionally, it stresses the significance of personal transformation before attempting to influence others, drawing parallels to a priest's realization of starting change from within.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned
By Phil Beach Jr.331:16:52CaptivitySelf-DeceptionSpiritual ClarityJOB 42:10ROM 12:31CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as failing to act on God's word, denying one's sin, and overestimating oneself. Through the story of Job, he illustrates how suffering can lead to spiritual clarity and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Ultimately, Beach encourages listeners to seek God's truth and transformation, recognizing that true freedom comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Christ.
When Should We Answer Our Critics?
By Shane Idleman181:07:57Faithfulness in MinistryCriticism1CO 3:18Shane Idleman addresses the question of when to respond to critics in his sermon 'When Should We Answer Our Critics?' He emphasizes the importance of discerning the motives behind criticism and the necessity of aligning responses with God's wisdom rather than worldly standards. Idleman highlights that while criticism can be constructive, it is crucial to focus on the truth of the gospel and to remain faithful stewards of God's message. He encourages believers to rise above negativity and to find joy in their faith, even amidst opposition, reminding them that God prepares a table for them in the presence of their enemies.
Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide
By Shane Idleman1855:29Truth vs. DeceptionSpiritual ResponsibilityPSA 111:10PRO 29:25ISA 61:1JER 9:6MAT 5:14ROM 1:251CO 3:182TI 4:2JAS 1:221PE 2:1Shane Idleman addresses the collision of truth and deception in his sermon 'Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide,' emphasizing the confusion within the modern church, much like the early Corinthian church. He warns against self-deception and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's spiritual growth, urging believers to rid themselves of hypocrisy and deceit. Idleman highlights the necessity of standing firm in God's truth amidst cultural pressures, encouraging Christians to embrace their identity in Christ, even if it appears foolish to the world. He calls for a boldness in proclaiming the gospel and a commitment to rebuilding the foundations of truth in a society that increasingly drifts away from God. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and living out His commands.
The Importance of Self Knowledge
By Thomas Reade3MAT 7:13MAT 7:21JHN 3:3ROM 2:61CO 3:182CO 13:5GAL 6:3JAS 1:22REV 22:17Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of self-knowledge, highlighting the deceitful nature of the human heart and the need for humility, self-denial, and faith in Christ. He emphasizes the danger of self-deception, especially in matters concerning salvation, and the contrast between spiritually-minded and carnally-minded individuals. Reade urges believers to examine themselves, guard against false doctrines, and seek true regeneration through faith in Jesus Christ.
Beware of Being Deceived
By Phil Beach Jr.0JER 17:91CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the dangers of self-deception, emphasizing the need for honesty and prayerful reflection on our hearts and actions. He highlights the deceitfulness of the human heart, the importance of being doers of God's Word, and the danger of denying our sins or thinking we are wise in our own eyes. Phil Beach Jr. also warns against the deception of thinking we are something when we are nothing, believing we can sow without reaping consequences, or assuming unrighteous actions will not affect our salvation. He concludes by stressing the need to guard against self-deception by living in God's truth and light.
Homily 15 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 10:9MAT 7:2ACT 2:461CO 3:18EPH 4:31John Chrysostom preaches on Ephesians 4:31, emphasizing the importance of putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, railing, and malice from our hearts. He compares the Holy Spirit to bees that will not settle in an unclean vessel, highlighting the need for cleansing our souls to receive spiritual gifts. Chrysostom warns against the destructive nature of bitterness, anger, and malice, urging believers to rid themselves of these harmful traits to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and experiencing misfortunes.
The Doctrine of Truth
By Thomas a Kempis0PRO 3:7PRO 16:32ECC 1:2MAT 23:12JHN 14:61CO 1:251CO 3:181CO 13:13PHP 2:3JAS 1:22Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of seeking truth as it truly is, beyond signs and fading words, cautioning against being deceived by opinions and senses. He highlights the folly of engaging in irrelevant and harmful discussions while neglecting profitable and necessary matters. Kempis encourages simplicity of heart, recollection, and self-mastery as paths to understanding sublime things and advancing in virtue, stressing the significance of living well over mere learning. He reminds listeners that on Judgment Day, actions and virtues will be weighed more than knowledge and eloquence, urging a focus on serving God and renouncing self for true greatness.
Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 3
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 18:5MRK 9:241CO 3:18EPH 2:10JAS 1:13J.C. Philpot delves into the effects of spiritual struggles and the pruning process in the soul, leading to a deep dissatisfaction with self, weakened zeal, and doubts about one's faith. He explains the divine decrees of God, distinguishing between His executive and permissive decrees, emphasizing that God is not the author of sin. Philpot describes how God allows other agents, like fallen angels and earthly lusts, to carry out His decrees, leading to a season of spiritual desolation and temptation. He highlights the importance of experiencing a deep spiritual harvest in the soul, where true humility, helplessness, and self-loathing are cultivated, ultimately creating a case for the Divine Redeemer to manifest His power and salvation.
A Challenge to Every Christian
By Mrs. C.T. Studd0EXO 4:11JDG 4:61SA 17:45ISA 41:10MAT 6:19MAT 16:261CO 1:271CO 3:181CO 12:4Mrs. C.T. Studd's sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's omnipotence and focusing on the eternal gains rather than temporary losses. She encourages believers to prioritize saving souls, viewing Christ as their ultimate inheritance, and being prepared for Christ's imminent return. Mrs. Studd challenges individuals to rely on God's provision, wisdom, and strength, reminding them that doubting is a sin and that God equips those He calls. She inspires a fearless and passionate commitment to God's work, urging believers to step out in faith, knowing that the Lord goes before them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any man among you seemeth to be wise - Ει τις δοκει σοφος ειναι· If any pretend or affect to be wise. This seems to refer to some individual in the Church of Corinth, who had been very troublesome to its peace and unity: probably Diotrephes (see on Co1 1:14 (note)) or some one of a similar spirit, who wished to have the pre-eminence, and thought himself wiser than seven men that could render a reason. Every Christian Church has less or more of these. Let him become a fool - Let him divest himself of his worldly wisdom, and be contented to be called a fool, and esteemed one, that he may become wise unto salvation, by renouncing his own wisdom, and seeking that which comes from God. But probably the apostle refers to him who, pretending to great wisdom and information, taught doctrines contrary to the Gospel; endeavoring to show reasons for them, and to support his own opinions with arguments which he thought unanswerable. This man brought his worldly wisdom to bear against the doctrines of Christ; and probably through such teaching many of the scandalous things which the apostle reprehends among the Corinthians originated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
seemeth--that is, is, and is regarded by himself and others. wise in this world--wise in mere worldly wisdom (Co1 1:20). let him become a fool--by receiving the Gospel in its unworldly simplicity, and so becoming a fool in the world's sight [ALFORD]. Let him no longer think himself wise, but seek the true wisdom from God, bringing his understanding into captivity to the obedience of faith [ESTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let no man deceive himself,.... With vain notions of serving God and religion, and of doing the churches good by his carnal and worldly wisdom, and with false hopes of escaping the vengeance of God for sowing the tares of error, heresy, and discord among his people. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world; either a member of them, or a preacher among them, who thought himself wise in worldly wisdom; or was desirous to be thought so by others; or would be a truly wise man in this world, whilst he lives in it, and before he goes out of it: let him become a fool that he may be wise; not that, properly speaking, folly is the way to wisdom; but that that man that would be wise in a spiritual sense, must first learn to know himself; must be convinced of, and acknowledge his own folly, embrace the Gospel of Christ, which is esteemed foolishness by the world; submit to the ordinances of Christ, which are despised by men; and take up the cross of Christ, and follow him, bear reproach and persecution for his sake, than which nothing is more ridiculous with carnal men: he must deny his worldly wisdom, his carnal and righteous self, and wholly rest and rely on Christ, and his righteousness, for eternal life and happiness, and so will he become truly wise unto salvation. The Jews (p) have a saying, "that everyone , "that makes himself a fool", for the words of the law, at the end, shall be exalted.'' (p) Raya Mehimua in Zohar in Numb. fol. 104. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here he prescribes humility, and a modest opinion of themselves, for the remedy of the irregularities in the church of Corinth, the divisions and contests among them: "Let no man deceive himself, Co1 3:18. Do not be led away from the truth and simplicity of the gospel by pretenders to science and eloquence, by a show of deep learning, or a flourish of words, by rabbis, orators, or philosophers." Note, We are in great danger of deceiving ourselves when we have too high an opinion of human wisdom and arts; plain and pure Christianity will be likely to be despised by those who can suit their doctrines to the corrupt taste of their hearers, and set them off with fine language, or support them with a show of deep and strong reasoning. But he who seems to be wise must become a fool that he may be wise. He must be sensible of his own ignorance, and lament it; he must distrust his own understanding, and not lean on it. To have a high opinion of our wisdom is but to flatter ourselves, and self-flattery is the very next step to self-deceit. The way to true wisdom is to sink our opinion of our own to a due level, and be willing to be taught of God. He must become a fool who would be truly and thoroughly wise. The person who resigns his own understanding, that he may follow the instruction of God, is in the way to true and everlasting wisdom. The meek will he guide in judgment, the meek will he teach his way, Psa 25:9. He that has a low opinion of his own knowledge and powers will submit to better information; such a person may be informed and improved by revelation: but the proud man, conceited of his own wisdom and understanding, will undertake to correct even divine wisdom itself, and prefer his own shallow reasonings to the revelations of infallible truth and wisdom. Note, We must abase ourselves before God if we would be either truly wise or good: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, Co1 3:19. The wisdom which worldly men esteem (policy, philosophy, oratory) is foolishness with God. It is so in a way of comparison with his wisdom. He chargeth his angels with folly (Job 4:18), and much more the wisest among the children of men. His understanding is infinite, Psa 147:5. There can be no more comparison between his wisdom and ours than between his power and being and ours. There is no common measure by which to compare finite and infinite. And much more is the wisdom of man foolishness with God when set in competition with his. How justly does he despise, how easily can he baffle and confound it! He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (Job 5:13), he catches them in their own nets, and entangles them in their own snares: he turns their most studies, plausible, and promising schemes against themselves, and ruins them by their own contrivance. Nay, He knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (Co1 3:20), that they are vanity, Psa 94:11. Note, God has a perfect knowledge of the thoughts of men, the deepest thoughts of the wisest men, their most secret counsels and purposes: nothing is hidden from him, but all things are naked and bare before him, Heb 4:13. And he knows them to be vanity. The thoughts of the wisest men in the world have a great mixture of vanity, of weakness and folly, in them; and before God their wisest and best thoughts are very vanity, compared, I mean, with his thoughts of things. And should not all this teach us modesty, diffidence in ourselves, and a deference to the wisdom of God, make us thankful for his revelations, and willing to be taught of God, and not be led away by specious pretences to human wisdom and skill, from the simplicity of Christ, or a regard to his heavenly doctrine? Note, He who would be wise indeed must learn of God, and not set his own wisdom up in competition with God's.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18-20 Here Paul returns to the contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom (see 1:18-25). Using Old Testament quotations, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be willing to appear foolish in the eyes of the world so that they may be truly wise in God’s eyes.