For the wisdom of this world is FOOLISHNESS with GOD

"... Knowledge puffeth up, but CHARITY edifieth (builds up)." 1 Corinthians 8: 1b

Do you "suffer" from pride? Because I sure do! This pride... well, it creeps in from all directions. I'm always amazed to see how often I fail to see my own pride. How often I tend to judge, or how often I tend to think well of myself (even when I don't want to).

Have you ever read through the first few chapters of 1 Corinthians... and come out with the understanding that you are nothing? 

Nothing. 

I know it may sound demeaning when you look at it from man's point of view. We tend to want to be "somebody"... and for sure, don't consider ourselves as the "filth of the world", or worse yet, "the offscouring of ALL things". 1 Corinthians 4:13

But you know, God doesn't look at us as does man... man loves to come out looking as knowledgeable and smart as possible. If you think about it, we tend to put people on pedestals... social rank is quite important, as well as achievements that impress.  But what may look all sparkly and glowing to man... well, God considers it all... all of it... as foolishness and vanity.

" For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

 For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. " 

1 Corinthians 3:19, 20

And if a man thinks... in any way that he knows anything... well, God clearly lets us know in 1 Corinthians 8:2 that man knows nothing,

" And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, 

he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know." 

1 Cor 8:2

And yet again, another reminder...

"For if a man think himself to be something, 

when he is nothing, 

he deceiveth himself." 

Galatians 6:3

And as I'm growing older, I realize how important it is that my 'knowledge of this world' would diminish... and that I would grow in the true knowledge of the LORD.  

Interestingly, even the things I have gained in the "wisdom of this world" ... has been given to me by God Himself. Everything I have...comes from Him.

"... what hast thou that thou didst not receive? 

Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?" 

1 Corinthians 4:7

I don't know about you, but I desire that I would put away the striving of this world and apply true knowledge... and increase in charity, or godly love.

Because while knowledge simply puffs up the self... love has a different application. 

Love builds up.

Oh, that I would be nothing... and Christ everything. 

May you desire  to grow in the knowledge of the Lord God.

~Ellie