A Scriptural Reflection
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:25
Introduction
If someone were to ask you, “Is God foolish?” your response would rightly be, “Certainly not!” God is perfect in wisdom and power—He is not, nor has He ever been, foolish.
Likewise, if asked, “Is your God weak?” your answer would undoubtedly be, “Absolutely not! My God is strong, mighty to save, and never lacking in power.”
Yet, we come to an interesting verse in Scripture:
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
—1 Corinthians 1:25 (NKJV)
Does this suggest that God is foolish or weak? Certainly not. Instead, it reveals something profound about the contrast between divine wisdom and human understanding.
The Importance of Context
It is vital that we do not read Scripture in isolation. Misinterpreting a single verse outside of its broader context can lead to confusion or error. To properly understand 1 Corinthians 1:25, we must consider its surrounding verses—particularly 1 Corinthians 1:18–31.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
This passage explains that what the world calls “foolish”—namely, the message of the cross—is actually the very wisdom and power of God. To the unbeliever, God’s plan of salvation appears absurd. To those who are perishing, it lacks logic and appeal. But to those who are being saved, it is the revelation of God’s power.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
—1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
God, in His sovereignty, has chosen to use what appears weak and foolish by worldly standards—Christ crucified, humble believers, and simple truth—to expose and overthrow the so-called wisdom of this world.
God Uses the “Foolish” to Shame the Wise
God’s methods often confound human logic:
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise…”
—1 Corinthians 1:27 (NKJV)
The world prides itself on intellectualism, eloquence, and philosophical reasoning. Yet these often lead people further away from God, not closer. God’s “foolishness” (as the world sees it) is wiser than the highest thoughts of man.
“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”
—1 Corinthians 1:20b (NKJV)
The Source of Worldly Wisdom
The Bible warns us that worldly wisdom is not only insufficient—it can be dangerous.
“This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”
—James 3:15 (NKJV)
Worldly wisdom stems from pride, envy, and self-interest. These are characteristics not of godliness but of rebellion. Even those who appear religious may fall into this trap when they seek glory for themselves rather than giving glory to God.
True Wisdom Comes from God
Scripture offers us clear examples of men who received divine wisdom:
Bezalel (Exodus 31:1–5)
- Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God to craft the Tabernacle—not by training or natural skill, but by divine wisdom.
Noah (Genesis 6:22)
- Noah obeyed God’s exact instructions to build the ark, trusting divine direction over his own understanding.
Joseph (Genesis 41:38–41)
- Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream when Egypt’s wisest men could not, and Pharaoh recognized that God’s Spirit was in him.
Moses (Exodus 3:11–12)
- Despite his feelings of inadequacy, Moses was assured by God’s presence and power when confronting Pharaoh.
Solomon (1 Kings 3:10–12)
- Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to rule justly, and God granted him wisdom beyond any other man. All Israel recognized that his wisdom came from God.
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
– Psalms 1:1-3
God’s Wisdom vs. Man’s Wisdom
The contrast is clear:
- Man’s wisdom leads to pride and destruction.
- God’s wisdom leads to righteousness, peace, and truth.
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness.’”
—1 Corinthians 3:19 (NKJV)
We are instructed not to boast in human intellect but in the Lord alone.
Living Wisely in a Foolish World
Ephesians 5 reminds us:
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
—Ephesians 5:15–16 (NKJV)
To walk wisely means to seek God’s will and to give Him glory in every area of life.
Asking God for Wisdom
True wisdom is not innate. It is a gift from God, given generously to those who ask in faith.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
—James 1:5 (NKJV)
Is God Foolish or Weak?
Absolutely not.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
—Revelation 5:12 (NKJV)
“Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
—Revelation 7:12 (NKJV)
Such questions arise from human misunderstanding and flawed reasoning. God’s wisdom and strength are perfect and eternal.
Conclusion
God’s ways may appear foolish to the world, but they are far beyond the reach of man’s intellect. His wisdom surpasses our understanding, and His strength never fails. Let us therefore glory in the Lord, not in the wisdom of men.
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”
—Romans 11:33 (NKJV)
All glory, honor, and praise be to God—our all-wise, all-powerful Father in heaven.