²² Seeming to be wise, they were in fact foolish,

¹⁴ Then every man becomes like a beast without knowledge; every gold-worker is put to shame by the image he has made: for his metal image is deceit, and there is no breath in them.

¹⁹ As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.

²⁰ Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

²¹ For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.

¹⁸ Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolish before God. As it is said in the holy Writings, He who takes the wise in their secret designs:

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is one who takes credit for an offering he has not given.

¹² Have you seen a man who seems to himself to be wise? There is more hope for the foolish than for him.

¹⁰ For you had faith in your evil-doing; you said, No one sees me; by your wisdom and knowledge you have been turned out of the way: and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is no other.

⁸ How is it that you say, We are wise and the law of the Lord is with us? But see, the false pen of the scribes has made it false.

⁹ The wise men are shamed, they are overcome with fear and taken: see, they have given up the word of the Lord; and what use is their wisdom to them?

²³ But if your eye is evil, all your body will be dark. If then the light which is in you is dark, how dark it will be!

²⁵ For it is my desire, brothers, that this secret may be clear to you, so that you may not have pride in your knowledge, that Israel has been made hard in part, till all the Gentiles have come in;