1 Corinthians 1:26-31

²⁶ “For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; ²⁷ but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, ²⁸ and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no human may boast before God. ³⁰ But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, ³¹ so that, just as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Verse 26: Paul reminds the Corinthians of their humble beginnings. He highlights that not many of them were considered wise, influential, or of noble birth according to human standards. This serves as a reminder that our worth and identity are not based on worldly achievements or status. In Christ, we are all equal and valued.

Verse 27: Paul emphasizes that God’s ways are different from the world’s ways. He chose the seemingly foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong. This demonstrates God’s wisdom and power, as He works through the unexpected and the underestimated. It reminds us that our worth and significance come from being chosen and loved by God, not from worldly standards.

Verse 28: Paul continues to highlight God’s unconventional choices. He chose the lowly and despised things, even the things that are considered “nothing” by the world’s standards, to nullify the things that are considered important. This reveals God’s heart for the marginalized and His ability to bring about transformation and redemption in unexpected ways.

Verse 29-30: Paul emphasizes that God’s purpose in choosing the weak and despised is to eliminate boasting and to redirect our focus to him. Our identity and righteousness are not based on our own achievements or abilities, but on being in Christ Jesus. In Christ, we have received wisdom from God, and He is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. It is all because of him and His grace.

Verse 31: Paul concludes by quoting from Jeremiah 9:24, reminding the Corinthians that our only legitimate reason for boasting is in the Lord. We have nothing to boast about in ourselves, but we can boast in the goodness, grace, and faithfulness of our God. It is a call to shift our focus from self-centered pride to a humble recognition of God’s work in our lives.