1 Corinthians 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Corinthians 1:27
This verse repeats and deepens the reversal: God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the mighty. The chosen contrast is intentional: human power and cleverness often mask spiritual bankruptcy, while God’s apparent foolishness and weakness reveal his sovereignty. The impact on the Corinthian church is communal: it invites humility and dependence on God’s plan rather than human victory. The idea of “things which are mighty” being confounded by “the things which are not” emphasizes God’s preference for the overlooked and ordinary as means to display his glory.
Theologically, this verse expands the doctrine of divine economy: God uses the weak to reveal strength and the foolish to reveal wisdom. It also foreshadows the shaping of the early church by unlikely leaders and ordinary believers, showing that God’s plan is not constrained by human credentialism.
Practically, this invites believers to embrace vulnerability as a strength in God’s eyes. If you feel weak in a task—sharing faith, leading a small group, or facing a daunting project—remember that God often works through such moments. In teams or ministries, empower the quiet voices and those without “prestige,” knowing God can use them to accomplish extraordinary things. This can reshape leadership culture from performance-driven to service-driven.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 4:7-9; Philippians 4:12-13; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 12:3