1 Corinthians 3:18-20, Vain Thoughts of the Worldly Wise

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 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. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

The Apostle Paul points out the wisdom of this world is vain. The word “vain” means empty, fruitless. In other words, it avails to nothing in the final analysis. It is foolishness with God. Pursue godly wisdom is the admonition and flee worldly wisdom.

The wisdom of God is revealed in His written Word. Believers are to take the time to consider because it is most profitable to the human soul. Faith in God’s Word is the beginning of wisdom. And appropriating God’s wisdom makes one wise unto salvation, understanding the things in the spiritual realm that impact the physical realm. The things that make for true peace and joy in the heart surpasses the blind accumulation of riches for mortal security.

Alas, the believer is still living an earth-bound life pursuing the transient things of the world that bring to him no true satisfaction. The Apostle Paul is saying to us to wise up. Life is too short to be wasted away with unprofitable work. May God grant us a heavenly perspective of earthly things for our souls’ sake. Amen.