What do you think this means?

Question

1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

In context: 1 Corinthians 1
18For 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. 19For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[c]
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For 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. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Answer 1

Paul is referencing Isaiah 29:14 to illustrate his point.

Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

In other words, not everyone has ears tuned to the truths of God. That is not to say that they may be able to hear the truth in the future, but until there is a working of the holy spirit of regeneration in that person, he or she is spiritually discerened and simply not able to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

See here in 1 Corinthians what is says about the natural man (a non believer)

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

So we see that not all have ears tuned to the truth of the Word
This is why sometimes Jesus would say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15)."

Or why he taught in parables which was as much to conceal the truth as to reveal it. See Jesus' response to his disciples as to why he taught in parables.

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Here also in verse 14 is a reference to Isaiah

(Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. )

In more simple terms, until God opens our spiritual eyes and ears, were are unable to know the truth. For all believers and future believers as well, this is a work of the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus said "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32)."

I hope this helps you gain the wisdom you seek.

God Bless

Answer 2

In this modern times, people have listened to the teachings of man with fame for his intelligence. People prefer to listen to those who they think have the authority to speak out. Those authority are oftentimes professionals with masteral or doctorate degree. Have written a lot of Books about his knowledge and experiences about God and His works on earth.
A time will come, when all this knowledge and wisdom will be proven wrong by God using a simple man as His instrument and His authorized person to speak on His behalf. Many persons of that kind however have been used in the past such as Mohammad, Joseph of Copertino and many others.
Such a man may have a knowledge but his own knowledge is not about God but about inventions needed for human use only. And when He speaks about God, which He has little knowledge of, you will hear him talk as iif he wrote the Book of God...www.thename.ph

Answer 3

New Living Translation:
As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas."

Supporting scripture - Isaiah 29:14 (NLT)

Because of this, I will do wonders among these hypocrites. I will show that human wisdom is foolish and even the most brilliant people lack understanding."

Answer 4

Jehovah is tell us that no mater how smart one may be, he can not find a way to save his life when Satan's old system ends if they have not take the time to develop a relationship with God first.

Answer 5

Nobody is wise in comparison to God, and no intelligence can stand against the Lords.

Answer 6

In this instance, it sounds to be a bigger story around this verse. Read the entire chapter for more clarification is all I can offer.

Answer 7

By itself, it will be confusing, unless you have some background. It all has to do with the false one, who claims to be the real and true one (man). Of course, his days are numbered.

Answer 8

Fairly self evident...the smart @$$e$ will get frustrated...