Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law? ¹  Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish?

For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching.

But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.

God chose ¹  what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something,

My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. ¹ 

The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, ¹  but each will receive his reward according to his work.

each builder’s ¹  work will be plainly seen, for the Day ²  will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire ³  will test what kind of work each has done.

If someone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. ¹  He himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. Everything belongs to you,

For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to die, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people.

We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure,

when people lie about us, we answer in a friendly manner. We are the world’s dirt and scum, even now.

In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world.

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits?

Were you called as a slave? ¹  Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity.

those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away.

But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife,

and he is divided. An unmarried woman ¹  or a virgin ²  is concerned about the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world, how to please her husband.