The Wisdom of God

Paul makes a distinction between Man's wisdom and God's wisdom.

Man's Wisdom = knowledge, insight, discernment, and understanding that is achievable by man's efforts!! (attainable, accessible through natural means)

God's Wisdom = knowledge, insights, etc. which cannot be attained or achieved by man's efforts - nature, intellect, etc.  But, which are only attained, acquired through REVELATION from God to man.

The focus of God's wisdom is primarily directed toward life's most important and most difficult questions/ issues:  origin of life, destiny, purpose, our current standing (state) with God, our future ( and * final) state  (after life), *particularly "our salvation".
These cannot be found out by natural wisdom of man, but must be revealed by God.

Note:  Paul is not knocking wisdom (generally).  Paul is not knocking Man's wisdom - examples:  business, economics, science, medicine, astronomy, anatomy, etc.
Paul is knocking the Notion that man's wisdom is sufficient (in and of itself) to answer life's most important questions. (and greatest mysteries)  There is a limit to our wisdom unless we receive revelation from God.
Example:  Jesus - Matt. 16:26

1 Cor. 1:18-31, 2:1-16, 3:18-20

#1.  There is a distinction between man's wisdom and God's wisdom.  Not that there is anything wrong with man's reasoning, wisdom, but that you think have figured out God and how to get to him on your own.

#2.  God's wisdom focuses primarily on life's biggest (most important) issues.  Especially SALVATION!  ie:  right standing with God.

#3,  Man's wisdom is insufficient to answer these questions:  
The wisdom to address these issues comes through REVELATION!!  in the form of:
     A.  the written Word - which = former revelations accumulated, acquired, written down  (external, objective) as revealed to men and women by God.  2 Tim. 3:14-15   Includes Revelations by Jesus  - John 1:18
     B.  The Holy Spirit - 1 Cor. 2:9-10, 12
Compare:  Matt. 16:17    (Note:  Deut. 29:29 )

#4.  This is foolishness to many - will be called a hater.  But to us?  1 Cor. 1:22-24  - compare to:  Rom. 1:16

#5.  If a man wishes to be truly wise, he must accept this "foolishness" - 1 Cor. 3:18

#6.  We are to accept/embrace this foolishness.  We are also to share this foolishness.  1 Cor. 1:21  (Rom. 10:13-14)

Point = God works through the foolish gospel message.