New International Version Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. New Living Translation Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. English Standard Version Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. New American Standard Bible Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. NASB 1995 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. NASB 1977 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise. Legacy Standard Bible Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. Amplified Bible Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise. Berean Annotated 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. Christian Standard Bible Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise. Holman Christian Standard Bible No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can 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. Contemporary English Version Don't fool yourselves! If any of you think you are wise in the things of this world, you will have to become foolish before you can be truly wise. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise in the ways of this world, you should give up that wisdom in order to become really wise. Good News Translation You should not fool yourself. If any of you think that you are wise by this world's standards, you should become a fool, in order to be really wise. International Standard Version Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in the ways of this world, he must become a fool to become really wise. NET Bible Guard against self-deception, each of you. If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. New Heart English Bible Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this age, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Weymouth New Testament Let no one deceive himself. If any man imagines that he is wise, compared with the rest of you, with the wisdom of the present age, let him become "foolish" so that he may be wise. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet 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. World English Bible Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool that he may become wise. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionLet no one deceive himself; if anyone seems to be wise among you in this age—let him become a fool, that he may become wise, Berean Literal Bible 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. Young's Literal Translation Let no one deceive himself; if any one doth seem to be wise among you in this age -- let him become a fool, that he may become wise, Smith's Literal Translation Let none completely deceive himself. If any think to be wise in this life, let him be foolish, that he may he wise. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet no man deceive himself: if any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. Catholic Public Domain Version Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become foolish, so that he may be truly wise. New American Bible Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. New Revised Standard Version Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet no man deceive himself. Whoever among you thinks he is wise in this world, let him consider himself a fool so that he may become wise. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Let no man deceive himself; whoever among you thinks that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentLet no one deceive himself: if any one among you is considered as wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. Godbey New Testament Let no one deceive himself. If any one seems to be wise among you in this age, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. Haweis New Testament Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinketh himself a wise man in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. Mace New Testament let no man deceive himself: if any among you pretends to worldly wisdom, let him commence fool, in order to be truly wise. Weymouth New Testament Let no one deceive himself. If any man imagines that he is wise, compared with the rest of you, with the wisdom of the present age, let him become "foolish" so that he may be wise. Worrell New Testament Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you thinks that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. Worsley New Testament Let no one deceive himself: if any among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be truly wise. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Worldly Wisdom…17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18Let 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. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”… Cross References Let no one deceive himself. Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. he should become a fool, 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. so that he may become wise. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. … Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. 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. Treasury of Scripture Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. deceive. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Proverbs 5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. If. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 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 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 1 Corinthians 8:1,2 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth… let. Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Jump to Previous Age Compared Deceive False. Fool Foolish Idea Imagines Present Rest Seemeth Standards Thinketh Thinks Wisdom Wise World YourselvesJump to Next Age Compared Deceive False. Fool Foolish Idea Imagines Present Rest Seemeth Standards Thinketh Thinks Wisdom Wise World Yourselves1 Corinthians 3 1. Milk is fit for children.3. Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind. 7. He who plants and He who waters are nothing. 9. The ministers are God's fellow workmen. 11. Christ the only foundation. 16. You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy. 19. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. Let no one deceive himself. Self-deception begins when believers judge themselves by human standards rather than by God’s truth. In Corinth, confidence in education, rhetoric, and philosophical skill could conceal spiritual pride. Gal 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing… If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, The wisdom admired by the surrounding Greek and Roman culture was often measured by public speech, status, and intellectual influence. Such standards belong to the present world and cannot reveal God’s saving purpose. Rom 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, he should become a fool, He must abandon the claim to self-sufficiency and accept the reproach that often comes from trusting God’s revelation over worldly opinion. The message of Christ crucified appeared weak and irrational to many, yet it exposed the limits of human wisdom. 1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ.… so that he may become wise. True wisdom begins with humble submission to God. It produces a life shaped by faith, obedience, purity, mercy, and peace rather than pride or personal ambition. Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance and correction. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and divided early Christian community struggling with issues of wisdom, division, and spiritual maturity. 3. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, cultural diversity, and philosophical schools, which influenced the church's understanding of wisdom. 4. Greek Philosophers Represent the worldly wisdom prevalent in Corinth, which Paul contrasts with the wisdom of God. 5. The Fool A concept Paul uses to describe those who reject worldly wisdom to embrace the wisdom of God. Teaching Points Self-Deception and HumilityWe must guard against self-deception by evaluating our understanding of wisdom. True wisdom begins with humility and the fear of the Lord. Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom The wisdom of this world often contradicts God's wisdom. We should seek wisdom that aligns with God's Word, even if it appears foolish to the world. Becoming a 'Fool' for Christ Embracing the gospel may require us to reject societal norms and values. We should be willing to be seen as 'fools' for the sake of Christ. Transformation through the Spirit True wisdom and understanding come through the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, transforming us to reflect Christ's character. Community and Accountability Engage with fellow believers to discern and grow in wisdom, holding each other accountable to God's standards rather than the world's. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:18?2. How can we avoid self-deception as warned in 1 Corinthians 3:18? 3. What does it mean to "become a fool" to gain true wisdom? 4. How does 1 Corinthians 3:18 connect with Proverbs 3:7 on wisdom? 5. In what ways can worldly wisdom hinder our spiritual growth? 6. How can we apply 1 Corinthians 3:18 in our daily decision-making? 7. What does 1 Corinthians 3:18 mean by "become a fool to become wise"? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 3:18 challenge modern views on wisdom and intelligence? 9. Why does Paul emphasize self-deception in 1 Corinthians 3:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3? (18) Passing from the difference between the work of one teacher and that of another, which has occupied him since 1Corinthians 3:5, the Apostle now returns to the subject from which he branched off there (the magnifying of one teacher above another), and proceeds to show (1Corinthians 3:18-21) that merely human wisdom is in itself worthless for spiritual purposes, and, therefore, that the possession of it alone is no reason for the exaltation of the teacher who is endowed with it. For the full meaning of the "wisdom" which the Apostle speaks of here, see 1Corinthians 1:20. Let him become a fool--i.e., in the sight of the world, in order that he may become "wise" in the sight of God. Verse 18. - Let no man deceive himself. Like the other formula, "Be not deceived" (1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Galatians 6:7); "Deceive not yourselves" (Jeremiah 37:9); "Let no man deceive you" (Marl 24:4; Luke 21:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Ephesians 5:6; 1 John 3:7). We are so liable to self deception (1 John 1:8; Galatians 6:3), as well as to being deceived by others (2 Timothy 3:13), that there was need to repeat this warning incessantly. Seemeth to be wise; rather, thinketh that he is wise. He is referring specially to the Apollos party, who vaunted their esoteric knowledge, and so were "wise in their own eyes, prudent in their own conceits" (Isaiah 5:21). Self-deception lurks when we measure ourselves by cultural standards. God calls us to let His Word expose our hearts, abandon the world’s definition of sophistication, willingly accept the label of “fool” for Christ’s sake, and in that humble posture receive authentic, lasting wisdom that begins and ends with Him.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek {Let} no oneΜηδεὶς (Mēdeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing. deceive ἐξαπατάτω (exapatatō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1818: To deceive thoroughly. From ek and apatao; to seduce wholly. himself. ἑαυτὸν (heauton) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself. If εἴ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. any τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. thinks δοκεῖ (dokei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. he is εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. wise σοφὸς (sophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. this τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. age, αἰῶνι (aiōni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period. he should become γενέσθω (genesthō) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a fool, μωρὸς (mōros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. he may become γένηται (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. wise. σοφός (sophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. Additonal Resources 1 Corinthians 3:18 Blue Letter Bible1 Corinthians 3:18 Bible Gateway 1 Corinthians 3:18 Bible.com 1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV |
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