Today's Passage: 1 Corinthians 2

I have spent a lot of time studying this passage.  When I began to pursue my education for ministry God led me to this passage and forced me to wrestle with my motives for going to school.  Paul describes 3 different wisdoms here and the use of none. 

Paul explains that when he first shared the gospel with the Corinthian church he shared without lofty or flowery word, or to put it simply without wisdom, so as to let the truth about Christ stand on its own.  This is important for us to remember because our words are weak compared to the power of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit is what convinces people to believe. 

Next, Paul contrasts spiritual wisdom and worldly wisdom.  Worldly wisdom is what every "smart" person that doesn't believe in God possesses.  It's an understanding of the world based solely on what man has seen.  This wisdom is like looking through a paper towel roll.  we can see things but only what we are focused on.  Spiritual wisdom, Paul explains, is the wisdom believers gain from the all knowing, creator God.  This wisdom is given to us through the Holy Spirit so that we can see the big picture.  It doesn't however give us the whole picture, for man cannot completely understand the fullness of God. Another important point to add her is God doesn't impart us with wisdom of things that we can see on our own.  These are things that God desires us to explore and learn for ourselves. 

Paul could have simply quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 to make his point in these verses.  However because he chose not to we have a much deeper understanding of wisdom and where it comes from.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6