1 Corinthians 3:18

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Let no one deceive himself: If anyone thinks himself to be wise among you in this age, let him become foolish, so that he may become wise.

Latin

Nemo se seducat: si quis videtur inter vos sapiens esse in hoc sæculo, stultus fiat ut sit sapiens.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

1 Corinthians 3:18–20

Paul contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom again (see 1 Corinthians 1:18–25). He uses Old Testament quotes to encourage the Corinthians. He urges them to be willing to seem foolish to the world so that they can be truly wise in God's eyes.

1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7

After comparing human and spiritual wisdom, Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 1:10–12), especially their undue loyalty to him and Apollos.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Religious Hypocrisy Wisdom

Related verses

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If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
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Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
James 1:22
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Mark 10:15
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,
Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

1 Corinthians 3:18

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