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In verses eighteen to twenty-one, Paul tells us not to deceive ourselves. Paul was not telling the Corinthian believers to neglect the pursuit of knowledge. He was warning them that if the worldly wisdom holds them back from God, it is not wisdom at all. God’s way of thinking is far more valuable, even though it may seem foolish to the world. The Corinthians were using “worldly wisdom” to evaluate their leaders and teachers. Their pride caused them to value the presentation of the gospel more than its content. For us today, using discernment can be very beneficial. It can sway our focus from people’s talents and abilities to the perspective of God. Understanding God leads us to have healthy spiritual lives and discernment in going through our daily pattern of life.

1 Corinthians 3:18-21
18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[b] 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours,