18 For the word of the cross is afoolishness to bthose who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is cthe power of God.

19 For it is written, "aI WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE."

20 aWhere is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of bthis age? Has not God cmade foolish the wisdom of dthe world?

21 For since in the wisdom of God athe world through its wisdom did not come to know God, bGod was well-pleased through the cfoolishness of the message preached to dsave those who believe.

22 For indeed aJews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;

23 but we preach aChrist crucified, bto Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles cfoolishness,

24 but to those who are athe called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ bthe power of God and cthe wisdom of God.

25 Because the afoolishness of God is wiser than men, and bthe weakness of God is stronger than men.