18 For the word of the cross {Gr. stauros – stake} is foolishness to those that perish, but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the philosopher of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For in the wisdom of God, since the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, {Gr. Stauroo – hung on a stake}, unto the Jews a stumblingblock and unto the Gentiles foolishness; 24 but unto those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 For that which is foolish of God is wiser than men, and that which is weak of God is stronger than men.
26 For look upon your vocation, brothers, that ye are not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, 27 but rather God has chosen that which is the foolishness of the world to confound the wise, and God has chosen that which is the weakness of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and that which is vile of the world and that which is despised God has chosen, and things which are not, to bring to nought the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him ye are reborn in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 that, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.