1 Corinthians 3:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G1818} no man {G3367} deceive {G1818} himself {G1438}. If any man {G1536} among {G1722} you {G5213} seemeth {G1380} to be {G1511} wise {G4680} in {G1722} this {G5129} world {G165}, let him become {G1096} a fool {G3474}, that {G2443} he may be {G1096} wise {G4680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let no one fool himself. If someone among you thinks he is wise (by this world’s standards), let him become “foolish,” so that he may become really wise.

Berean Standard Bible

Let 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.

American Standard Version

Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul issues a profound challenge to the Corinthian believers, urging them to abandon the self-deception rooted in worldly wisdom. He paradoxically instructs that for one to attain true, divine wisdom, they must be willing to relinquish their perceived intellectual superiority and embrace a posture of humility that the world might deem foolish. This verse serves as a pivotal call to reorient one's understanding of knowledge and truth, shifting from human-centric pride to God-centered revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader argument against the divisions and spiritual immaturity prevalent in the Corinthian church. Chapters 1-3 consistently address the problem of factionalism, which arose from believers aligning themselves with prominent leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, often based on rhetorical skill or philosophical prowess. Paul has already established that God's wisdom, embodied in the crucified Christ, is diametrically opposed to the wisdom of the world, which considers the cross foolishness [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross"). He emphasizes that spiritual truth is discerned by the Spirit, not by human intellect [1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - Spiritual Discernment"). Chapter 3 further develops this, likening the Corinthians to infants unable to receive solid food, highlighting their reliance on human wisdom rather than spiritual growth built on the true foundation, Jesus Christ [1 Corinthians 3:1-11](/1_corinthians/3-1-11 "1 Corinthians 3:1-11 - Spiritual Immaturity and the True Foundation"). Verse 18, therefore, serves as a direct exhortation to dismantle the very mindset that fueled their pride and divisions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, trade, and diverse philosophical schools. Greek culture, which heavily influenced Corinth, placed immense value on intellectual debate, eloquent rhetoric, and philosophical wisdom. Sophists, traveling teachers of rhetoric and philosophy, were highly esteemed, and their followers often prided themselves on their intellectual acumen and persuasive abilities. This cultural backdrop directly impacted the Corinthian church, as believers brought their pre-conversion values into their Christian faith, leading them to judge spiritual leaders and truths by worldly standards of wisdom and eloquence. The divisions Paul addresses were not merely personal preferences but often stemmed from an intellectual arrogance that favored human reasoning and rhetorical skill over the humble, Spirit-revealed truth of the gospel. Paul's challenge to "become a fool" directly confronts this deeply ingrained cultural reverence for human wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this verse, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Corinthians, is the stark **contrast between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom**. Worldly wisdom, characterized by human intellect, philosophical speculation, and rhetorical skill, is portrayed as ultimately futile and even hostile to God's truth [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - The Wisdom of the World is Foolishness"). In contrast, Godly wisdom is revealed through the Spirit, centered on Christ crucified, and often appears as "foolishness" to the unregenerate mind. Another critical theme is **humility as a prerequisite for true wisdom**. Paul's paradoxical command to "become a fool" underscores that spiritual understanding is not gained through intellectual striving or self-assertion, but through a humble surrender of one's own perceived cleverness. This humility dismantles **self-deception**, which is explicitly warned against in the opening phrase, as it prevents individuals from recognizing their need for God's wisdom and embracing the counter-cultural truth of the gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deceive (Greek, _exapatáō'_):** From G1818, meaning "to seduce wholly" or "beguile." This word emphasizes a complete and pervasive deception, suggesting that the self-deception Paul warns against is not superficial but deeply ingrained, leading individuals to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of true wisdom and their own spiritual state. It implies a dangerous self-assurance based on false premises.
* **wise (Greek, _sophós'_):** From G4680, meaning "wise (in a most general application)." In this context, when paired with "in this world," it refers to wisdom as understood and valued by human, secular standards—intellectual prowess, philosophical insight, rhetorical skill, or worldly success. Paul uses it here to highlight the kind of wisdom that puffs up and leads to pride, rather than the wisdom that comes from God.
* **fool (Greek, _mōrós'_):** From G3474, meaning "dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd." This term is deliberately provocative. To "become a fool" does not mean to become unintelligent or irrational, but to willingly abandon the intellectual pride and worldly values that define "wisdom in this world," and to embrace a perspective that the world would scorn as absurd or unintelligent for the sake of God's truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let no man deceive himself."**: This opening imperative serves as a stern warning against intellectual and spiritual pride. Paul highlights the insidious nature of self-deception, where individuals mistakenly believe their worldly understanding or intellectual acumen constitutes genuine wisdom, thereby hindering their reception of divine truth. It implies a fundamental error in self-assessment.
* **"If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world,"**: This clause identifies the target of Paul's warning: those within the Corinthian church who, by worldly standards, appear intelligent, articulate, or philosophically astute. "Wise in this world" refers to the human-centric, secular wisdom that values rhetorical skill, philosophical debate, and intellectual superiority, often leading to pride and factionalism within the community. The word "seemeth" (G1380, _dokéō_) suggests an appearance or reputation of wisdom, rather than necessarily its true possession.
* **"let him become a fool,"**: This is the striking, paradoxical command at the heart of the verse. To "become a fool" (G1096, _gínomai_ + G3474, _mōrós_) does not advocate for literal stupidity, but for a radical act of humility and surrender. It means willingly setting aside one's intellectual pride, renouncing the values and standards of worldly wisdom, and embracing a position that the world would consider absurd, unintelligent, or contemptible for the sake of Christ and His gospel. It is a call to self-emptying.
* **"that he may be wise."**: This final clause states the purpose and glorious outcome of the paradoxical command. The wisdom attained through this act of "foolishness" is not worldly wisdom, but true, spiritual wisdom that originates from God. This divine wisdom grants genuine insight, leads to spiritual maturity, and aligns one's understanding with God's eternal truth, which is ultimately found in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Paradox** by instructing believers to "become a fool, that he may be wise." This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the fundamental inversion of values between God's kingdom and the world's system. What the world esteems as wisdom, God deems foolishness, and what the world scorns, God exalts as true wisdom. Closely related is **Contrast**, which is evident in the sharp distinction drawn between "wise in this world" and the ultimate goal of being truly "wise" in God's eyes. This contrast underscores the incompatibility of human-centered intellectual pride with divine revelation. Furthermore, Paul uses **Imperative** commands ("Let no man deceive himself," "let him become a fool") to convey the urgency and directness of his exhortation, demanding a decisive action and reorientation of values from the Corinthian believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 3:18 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that genuine wisdom is not a human acquisition but a divine gift, contingent upon a posture of humility and surrender. It builds upon the Old Testament understanding that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), emphasizing that true knowledge begins with acknowledging God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him. Paul's argument challenges the human tendency towards intellectual self-sufficiency, revealing it as a form of self-deception that blinds one to spiritual realities. This verse underscores that God's ways often appear counter-intuitive or "foolish" from a worldly perspective, yet they are the ultimate source of truth, life, and salvation. It calls believers to a radical re-evaluation of what truly constitutes value and intelligence, aligning themselves with God's perspective rather than the fleeting standards of the temporal world.

* [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Eyes")
* [Isaiah 5:21](/isaiah/5-21 "Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to Those Who Are Wise in Their Own Eyes")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20-25](/1_corinthians/1-20-25 "1 Corinthians 1:20-25 - The Foolishness of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:18 resonate powerfully in every age, challenging our inherent tendency towards intellectual pride and self-reliance. In a world that often venerates academic achievement, scientific progress, and worldly success as the ultimate indicators of wisdom, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our values. It compels us to critically examine where we derive our sense of intelligence and worth—is it from human accolades and intellectual prowess, or from a humble surrender to God's revealed truth? To "become a fool" for Christ means being willing to appear out of step with prevailing cultural norms, to embrace biblical truths even when they contradict popular opinion, and to prioritize God's wisdom above our own understanding. This requires a profound humility, acknowledging that our finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom of God. It is a call to continuous learning and unlearning, shedding the deceptive layers of worldly wisdom to truly grow in the knowledge of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly deceiving myself by valuing worldly wisdom over God's truth?**
* **What specific "worldly wisdoms" or intellectual prides do I need to lay down to truly embrace God's perspective?**
* **How willing am I to be perceived as "foolish" by the world for the sake of following Christ and His teachings?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and receptive heart towards God's wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "become a fool"?**

Answer: Paul does not mean that believers should become unintelligent or abandon rational thought. Instead, "become a fool" is a powerful **paradoxical** command. It means to willingly relinquish one's intellectual pride, self-sufficiency, and reliance on worldly standards of wisdom. It's an act of humility, a readiness to set aside one's own perceived cleverness and embrace God's truth, even if that truth appears absurd or contemptible to the unredeemed world. This concept is deeply explored in [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross"), where Paul explains that the message of the cross, though foolishness to those who are perishing, is the power and wisdom of God to those who are being saved. It's about reorienting one's values from human applause to divine approval.

**How does this verse relate to education and intellectual pursuits for believers today?**

Answer: This verse is not a condemnation of education or intellectual pursuits in themselves. Rather, it's a warning against the *pride* that can accompany them and the *reliance* on human wisdom as the ultimate arbiter of truth. For believers, all knowledge and intellectual endeavor should be brought under the authority of God's Word and Spirit. It means that while we can pursue academic excellence and engage in critical thinking, our ultimate source of wisdom and truth must be God. We should be open to God's revelation even when it challenges human logic or popular consensus. True wisdom, from a biblical perspective, integrates knowledge with humility, godliness, and a recognition of God as the source of all truth, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 3:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's wisdom, yet His earthly ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection were considered utterly "foolish" by the standards of the world. The Jewish leaders sought signs, and the Greeks sought wisdom, but Paul preached Christ crucified—a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles [1 Corinthians 1:22-23](/1_corinthians/1-22-23 "1 Corinthians 1:22-23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness"). Yet, this "foolishness" of God is wiser than men, and the "weakness" of God is stronger than men [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men"). Jesus, though God, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility"). He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, a death considered shameful and foolish by the world, yet it was through this very act of self-emptying that God's ultimate wisdom and power were displayed, bringing salvation to all who believe. Therefore, to "become a fool that he may be wise" is to imitate Christ's profound humility and surrender to God's will, recognizing that true wisdom and life are found only in Him, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Isaiah 5:21

Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Galatians 6:3

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

1 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.