3:191 Corinthians 3:19

The wisdom prized by this world counts as foolishness with God, and all human cleverness, policy and calculation apart from Him fall short and will come to nothing.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+2 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, turning their schemes back upon them and exposing them, for He knows the thoughts of the wise that they are vain and empty.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+2 No one should deceive himself by seeming wise in this world, for to become truly wise he must become a fool in his own estimation and be willing to be counted a fool by the world when doing right.Ms 111, 1909, par. 26–27+2 True wisdom begins when people stop trusting their own judgment, recognize their ignorance and learn from God, finding it in His Word, in Christ who is made wisdom and righteousness and redemption, and through the Spirit by whom the things of God are discerned.FE 130.2+4 Contentions among believers display that narrow, conceited wisdom ruled by selfishness rather than the mind and Spirit of Christ, as when envy and strife led those at Corinth to divide around Paul and Apollos though both were only ministers by whom belief came as God gave increase.RH Dec 11, 1900+2

Contentions among believers reveal a narrow and conceited wisdom of minds ruled by selfishness rather than the mind and Spirit of Christ.RH Dec 11, 1900 The setting is believers possessed by envying, strife and divisions, saying I am of Paul and I am of Apollos, who could be spoken to only as carnal babes in Christ fed with milk and not with meat.Ms 130, 1901, par. 25–26+1 They stand as independent atoms and link up in parties around the one man under whose labors they received present truth, placing themselves on the side of the one who brought them light and refusing harmony with their brethren.Ms 130, 1901, par. 25–26 All who do so are not being sanctified through the truth and stand on dangerous ground, and those who suppose themselves cemented to that man and tied up in separate bundles need a reconversion, for their claimed conversion is a stumbling block to sinners.Ms 130, 1901, par. 25–26

The weakness of the church comes from envy and strife cherished by members, which makes them carnal and walking as men, dividing into parties, withdrawing from some for reasons existing only in the imagination and binding up with others.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 Paul and Apollos are only ministers by whom belief came as the Lord gave to every man, one planted and another watered but God gave the increase, so neither he that planteth nor he that watereth is anything.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 He that planteth and he that watereth are one in object though their work may differ, and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 No minister is to be condemned or to fear his brethren for not dwelling on the same things but emphasizing another phase of truth or presenting the Word in a different way, and allowing prejudice, envy, jealousy, evil surmisings and discord separates from brethren and from God and hinders the manifestation of the Spirit of God until His people obey to be all of one mind, loving as brethren, pitiful and courteous.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16

Paul did not abandon those seized by a divisive spirit as irreclaimable but labored to bring them to a better understanding of the spirit that should control believers in Christ Jesus, for lack of meekness and humility and wholehearted kindness being the cause of their acting as independent atoms.16MR 196.1–2 He labored that the truth would sanctify them to be channels and representatives of grace in love and harmonious action, each strengthening the other.16MR 196.1–2 They were to make straight paths for their feet lest the lame be turned out of the way, and to present unity rather than division to the world, to angels, and to men.16MR 196.1–2 Self-deception about being wise is forbidden, and anyone who seems wise in this world is called to become a fool in order to become truly wise, and to forbear glorying in men.Ms 21, 1898, par. 25–26

The only foundation that can be laid is Jesus Christ, and laborers build together with God upon Him with gold, silver and precious stones rather than wood, hay and stubble.Ms 21, 1898, par. 25–26 The day will make every work plain when fire tests its kind, giving reward if the work remains and loss if it burns, while the builder himself may still be saved as if pulled from fire.Ms 21, 1898, par. 25–26 Those built are God's field and building and the holy temple where God's Spirit lives, so anyone who ruins that temple will be destroyed, and all things belong to those on that foundation.Ms 21, 1898, par. 25–26 The instruction of 1 Corinthians 1-3 is to be read carefully in every church, for the chapters are full of instruction and are reproof to ministers of the gospel and to all churches wherever located, which ministers must receive for their soul's sake.Ms 58, 1911, par. 6–7 It calls for seeking truth by searching the Scriptures and humbling the heart before God, with the warning that without such humility names will not be placed in the book of life.Ms 58, 1911, par. 6–7

The instruction in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3 is to be thought over at home and personally applied.Ms 111, 1909, par. 28–30 It tests readiness for the Lord's coming and shows that many who think they are prepared are not.Ms 111, 1909, par. 28–30 God helps those who make this application to understand it, to separate from all hindrances, to know the will of God and walk in that pathway, to become free men and all light in the Lord, to confess Christ and to come out of darkness into His marvelous light.Ms 111, 1909, par. 28–30

Wisdom prized by this world is foolishness in God's sight, and human cleverness cannot outwit Him, for He catches the wise through their own schemes.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+1 That wisdom, despite its display and pretense, will come to nothing, and human cleverness, policy and calculations apart from Him fall short.RH Jul 23, 1901+1 The verse warns against deceiving oneself by trusting such wisdom, against trusting human ability, and against boasting in human leaders, since all spiritual and temporal work depends on God.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+1

Financial and business wisdom after a worldly order is not true wisdom, for God takes the wise in their own craftiness and knows the thoughts of the wise that they are vain.Lt 56, 1893, par. 26–27 Men who give life to worldly pursuits and cultivate sharp business traits after a worldly order become too worldly-wise to receive truth, and to them the preaching of the cross is foolishness, so they do not come into truth in large numbers.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25 Even when those supposed to be wise in financial matters fail to devise plans and suggest methods for advancement, God's work does not depend on their plans but can go forward through those with less business ability and more limited experience.Lt 56, 1893, par. 26–27 God has made foolish the wisdom of this world, destroying the wisdom of the wise and bringing to nothing the understanding of the prudent, and is pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25 Not many wise after the flesh, mighty or noble are called, but God chose the foolish, weak, base and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty and bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25

Living and planning for self, treasuring and enjoying labor's fruits, taking credit for wise management in providing abundantly for future years, and being honored as a person of good judgment and prosperous citizen is folly before God.COL 258.1–2 The rich man looks forward to years of enjoyment, but God makes far different plans and requires his soul that very night, a demand money cannot supply and wealth cannot delay.ST May 25, 1915+2 In one moment all secured by a lifetime of toil becomes worthless to him, his broad fields and well-filled granaries pass from under his control, and the riches he heaped up are left for he knows not who to gather.COL 258.1–2+2 His plans appear wise to others yet cannot prepare him for death or secure reprieve when life is required.ST Jul 1, 1908+1

Human wisdom when it goes beyond the teaching of God's Word is foolishness in His sight, and boasting in such wisdom must give place to recognizing ignorance and learning from God.ST Feb 6, 1893+1 Neglecting Scripture leaves people ignorant of the binding claims of God's law and vulnerable to transgression and destruction.ST Feb 6, 1893+1 The esteem of people who do not follow God's kingdom cannot add to or take away true worth; only the value Christ gives to influence and work matters.RH Jul 23, 1901 Human wisdom is foolishness before God when people treat their own ideas as wiser than His plans and try to improve His perfect work, replacing Him with humanly devised substitutes as Israel did with the golden calf, which degrades understanding of Him, while the Holy Spirit transforms the heart and keeps it right.Ms 60, 1890, par. 11

God catches the wise in their own craftiness, turning worldly craft back upon schemers and exposing and defeating it, and He knows the thoughts of the wise that they are vain and empty.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+4 Human cleverness and policy that seems wise in this world counts as folly before God, and no one is to deceive himself by trusting that kind of wisdom, by lording over others, by trusting in men, or by resting in Pharisaical forms and ceremonies.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+3 To become truly wise a person must give up worldly wisdom and become a fool in the world's eyes, receiving wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption in Christ, living a faith that works by love and purifies the soul in practical care for the needy and a life kept unspotted, and glorying in the Lord and not in men, for all who are Christ's possess all things in Him.Ms 105, 1898, par. 31–34 True wisdom belongs with sincere conversion, a will bowed to heaven, forgiveness of sin, restoration of the image of God, honoring the Creator, keeping the mind from wrong channels, and doing one's best as all God requires.Ms 81, 1897, par. 16–17

Human cleverness cannot outwit God or replace dependence on Him, and trusting human ability or boasting in human leaders is warned against since all spiritual and temporal work depends on God.Lt 108, 1898, par. 1–2+2 A person who seems wise by worldly standards must become humble and recognize the need for God's wisdom, and no one should boast in human leaders or rely on human approval, since God alone judges truly.Ms 52, 1898, par. 15–20+1 Dependence on human wisdom blinds and distorts understanding, leaving people unable to recognize Satan's deceptive devices and vulnerable to working against God while believing they serve Him, even to serving the prince of darkness.Ms 44, 1890, par. 26–27+4 Those who profess to work for God can thus be left unaware of the enemy's schemes and be led to serve the enemy instead.STA 112.1+3

Dependence on supposed wisdom darkens and perverts spiritual vision so the self-sufficient sense no danger, profess to believe in Christ while giving service to the enemy, and will be tried and found as dross.Lt 35, 1891, par. 1–4 Proud human wisdom boasts of sharpness while Satan deceives without being known, holds lofty opinion of reason claiming power to find fallacies in divine mysteries, listens to whispered heresies, becomes entangled and is led to despise the blood of the atonement.Ms 37, 1889, par. 6 Weak finite minds measure divine things by perverted conceptions, weigh God's Word with men's balances, put men's opinions first and His Word behind, sit in judgment on God and His ways, dwell on infinite benevolence while disbelieving infinite justice, and without vital connection with God and blinded by the god of this world cannot have correct ideas of His plans.Ms 4, 1882, par. 1–2

God's first exhibition of power to the Hebrew captives showed the defective wisdom of earth's great ones when the magicians revealed ignorance before the Lord revealed His wisdom supreme.Lt 60, 1898, par. 35–37 Likewise He shows as foolishness the wisdom of human agents who misappropriate God-given talents, giving spiritual discernment, sight of eternal interests, light from heaven and meaning of His Word not to the worldly wise but to those most separate from wicked customs, worldly ideas, display, vanity, pride and love of promotion.Lt 60, 1898, par. 35–37 Only those willing to be counted fools in the eyes of the worldly-wise receive divine wisdom, for God will not dwell with those who reject His truth, and all who disregard truth disregard its Author.Ms 4, 1882, par. 1–2 The chapter's warning that craftiness snares the wise applies to tobacco use: smoking, chewing and spitting defile the body and cloud discernment, making the practice unchristian and dishonoring in worship.Lt 354, 1905, par. 4

No one is to deceive himself by supposing himself wise in this world, for worldly wisdom is folly before God who catches the crafty in their own scheming and knows the thoughts of the wise are empty, and anyone who seems wise in this world must become a fool in his own estimation in order to become truly wise, even being willing to be called a fool by the world when doing what is right.Ms 111, 1909, par. 26–27+4 This becoming a fool means ceasing to glory in men and in human wisdom, might, riches, skill and theoretical knowledge, and instead glorying only in understanding and knowing the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth, with sincere conversion, a will bowed to heaven, forgiveness of sin, restoration of God's image, honoring the Creator, keeping the mind from wrong channels and doing one's best.Ms 21, 1898, par. 25–26+2 Those who boast of wisdom apart from God's Word must recognize their ignorance and cease trusting their own estimation in order to learn from God.FE 130.2+1

Becoming a fool is becoming contrite and humble in spirit so that God can revive and dwell within, humbling the heart before God, staying within the limits He gives, and being very careful not to judge brethren because they do not count one's words and spirit and actions as perfection.Ms 130, 1901, par. 30–33+1 Human wisdom unless joined to the Infinite and sanctified by Christ's grace remains foolishness, and true wisdom begins when people cease trusting themselves and learn from God.FE 130.2+1 True wisdom is to be chosen by learning from the Word of God, for the Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning salvation and must be the guide, counselor and teacher in the highest education, not made secondary to writings of men who advance error or mingled with sophistries of infidel authors that trample God's memorial and corrupt schooling, and even the honest inquirer in ignorance finds the way to heaven and is saved from destructive errors only by learning truth from it.COL 125.2–126.1+1

The great storehouse of truth is God's Word in the written Word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God's dealings with human life, and Christ's workers must not depend on human intelligences or great human thinkers in the search after truth but draw from those treasures, and if the follower believes His word and practices it God will impart knowledge of Himself through His own appointed channels.COL 125.2–126.1 Faith does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power, and the things of God are discerned through the Spirit, for education that puts human theories, inventions, customs or interpretations above God's Word misses the reach of His providence into eternity, and only the Holy Spirit can unfold spiritual truth.Lt 280, 1906, par. 20–25+1 To become truly wise a person gives up worldly wisdom and lording over others and resting in Pharisaical forms and ceremonies, and receives in Christ wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, living a faith that works by love and purifies the soul in practical care for the needy and a life kept unspotted, glorying in the Lord and not in men, for all who are Christ's possess all things in Him.Ms 105, 1898, par. 31–34

True wisdom is knowing enough to obey God and His commandments, to study His Word, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and wear the yoke of Christ even as fools for Christ's sake, loving the society of humble believers above the society of the world, humbling self before God, walking in the way of His commandments, making the most of every educational privilege, gathering every ray of divine light and practicing it and bringing it into life and character as one who has learned of Jesus.Ms 81, 1897, par. 16–17+1 Recognizing that human wisdom and calculations fall short and are foolish before God leads people to turn to the Lord and seek Him wholeheartedly with all the heart so they may find Him.FE 197.1–2+1 Self-reliance leads to glorifying self, treating one's own ways as perfect and becoming self-righteous by relying on one's own judgment instead of divine wisdom, while humility before Christ reveals imperfections and makes self seem insignificant, and the inexperienced and unreasoning who think themselves wise enough for anything are only children in wisdom who must learn of God before they can truly know themselves.Lt 4, 1890, par. 14+1

Many who claim to be believers and think they have become prodigies of wisdom possess only a wisdom that is foolishness with God, and because divine wisdom is not made more apparent through imperfect experience they will soon discover their condition and realize they wasted opportunities and failed to provide the oil of grace while thinking themselves rich and increased in goods and in need of nothing, for true wisdom comes only to those emptied of self, with the whole being centered in Christ, with abiding deep conviction of the great truths of the Word and full assurance of faith by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, leading to unity and oneness with Christ and understanding of God's will.Ms 95, 1898, par. 36–38 The wisdom of great men of the world and teachers of divinity is foolishness with God because it makes what is plain dark and intricate and makes a show of great knowledge that common people and those unacquainted with faith cannot comprehend, dwelling on themes at the top of the ladder and giving long speeches on education in the sciences that pain heaven, dwarf and cripple the soul and blind by a spirit and customs of education that will not save, while true wisdom is great and deep without pretense, finding expression in words beautiful with simplicity yet clothed with dignity and power, as seen in Christ the greatest educator who did not display deep knowledge the learned and unlearned could not understand but made instruction so simple all understood Him, feeding on Christ daily, talking less and praying more with God as strength, teaching first rounds of climbing successfully and using entrusted talents to call thoughts and affections to heavenly things and save perishing souls.5T 588.2–589.1+1 Human wisdom is foolishness while God's wisdom is infallible, human reasoning cannot be set against God's purpose and time alone will fully reveal His plan, completed at the final resurrection to judgment in the triumph of Christ and His church and the destruction of Satan and his followers.Lt 121, 1900, par. 23–25+1

Those who presume to judge Scripture, accepting some parts as inspired and rejecting others, stand on sacred ground and should treat their own wisdom as foolishness.5MR 55.1–3 Theories and systems devised in supposed wisdom apart from learning Christ's lessons cannot be trusted but are vain and foolish before God.5MR 349.2–3 Human wisdom apart from God is foolishness and not a path to true wisdom, and seeking it through human interpretations leads to false education, while true wisdom comes from learning of God and Jesus Christ.STE 19.1

The verse warns those who lift themselves in exaltation and suppose that whatever they choose to do is right, forbidding self-deception and being puffed up with self-conceit, for a man is only a man and is not God.Lt 233, 1899, par. 9+1 No man is to present himself or be appointed as a foundation for other men to build upon, for Jesus Christ alone is the sure foundation and all are brethren, and such self-exaltation brings danger that requires heed.Lt 233, 1899, par. 9+1 In building on Christ it warns against trusting self-confident opinions and personal plans instead of working in harmony with fellow believers, for God exposes the craftiness of those who rely on their own wisdom.16MR 197.3–198.1

Striving to please and glorify self and to have the highest place is only supposed wisdom that will in the end prove foolishness with God, and since finite judgment fails to make proper estimates, God's workers must give up pride and self-seeking, weigh matters calmly and patiently, and work together under wisdom from God.Ms 20, 1891, par. 13 Claiming superiority in wisdom lets self take the throne and lets Satan corrupt mind and heart and turn away from gospel simplicity, rousing hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong in ministers and members, while genuine humility guards against mastery of self.Ms 166, 1902, par. 30–31 Pride in wisdom reveals unchristlike traits that hide the loveliness of Christ and unfit a person for membership in the heavenly family, for human wisdom and ability are nothingness in God's sight.Ms 166, 1902, par. 30–31 No one should glory in men or in human skill and theoretical knowledge, nor boast in human leaders or rely on human approval, since God alone judges truly, takes the wise in their own craftiness, and knows the thoughts of the wise are vain.Lt 31, 1902, par. 29–30+1 To become truly wise one who seems wise in this world must become a fool, becoming contrite and humble in spirit so God can revive him and dwell in him, staying within limits God gives and preparing life as God's holy temple, a building designed by no human skill and wrought by no human hand, which God will destroy if defiled.Lt 31, 1902, par. 29–30

Human opinions and wisdom are foolishness before the light of God's truth, whose sacred truths purify, ennoble and sanctify, and must be held and taught as in Jesus or they are of no value.Lt 21, 1888, par. 25–27 No position, even president of a conference, clothes a man with oppressive power over consciences, for God will not sanction it, and those in responsibility must be forbearing, courteous, Christlike, like-minded with God, strong in His strength and meek and humble as a little child.Lt 21, 1888, par. 25–27 They must respect the rights of brethren because others pattern after their example and because God can teach and guide brethren as well as themselves.Lt 21, 1888, par. 25–27 Human wisdom and judgment must not be used to control God's workers, for fallible people who impose restraints and decide others' duties act contrary to God's wisdom and bring confusion and dishonor to Him, while His servants are to be free to seek His direction and be taught by His Spirit.Ms 128, 1908, par. 20–22

No ruling power should compel obedience to dictates of the finite mind or turn minds to lean on human wisdom, which places a veil between God and man so that Him who is invisible is not seen.Ms 73, 1907, par. 13+1 Human wisdom cannot be trusted as guide to faith and practice in place of God's wisdom, and relying on finite judgment can turn people from seeing God, so faith and practice must be energized by the Holy Spirit rather than submit to human power and compulsion.STB 498.1+2 Depending on men who do not make God their trust and do not love, fear and obey Him dishonors God in important decisions such as locating a school, for those not connected with God are connected with His enemy and will be led into false paths and difficult places even when honest and blinded.Ms 1, 1895, par. 36–40+2 Even honest advisers disloyal to God cannot be trusted for wise judgment where great results depend, for Satan puts suggestions contrary to God's mind in them and they mislead, entangle and ruin as false guides, so God's people must acknowledge Him in all counsels, believe they receive what they ask, and go with perfect trust to Him as Counsellor and Fountain of infinite wisdom instead of inquiring at strange altars and turning aside to counsels of men.Ms 1, 1895, par. 36–40+2

God is not pleased with ambition to be regarded as shrewd in the world's estimation, even when cherished by men of responsibility, for seeking worldly reputation for shrewdness stands against God, whose work should mean far more.Ms 96, 1902, par. 4 People in positions of trust must learn their own ideas do not accord with God's wisdom and human glory will be brought low, for following the proud course of the king of Babylon shows human imaginations stained, and safety is only in following Jesus and receiving wisdom pure and undefiled.Ms 15, 1896, par. 19+1 Those lifted by popularity are in danger of trusting their own wisdom, and their safety is to remain under God's Spirit and serve unselfishly without departing from principle.4T 538.1 People given responsibility must learn from Christ, carry assigned burdens and follow His leading, for without this their plans and costly journeys to advise others have no real wisdom or worth, since human wisdom and strength trusted instead of God are foolishness to Him.STMW9 38.2

Institutions meant to reveal heaven's principles are condemned for worldly principles and must be conducted by God's wisdom, not human wisdom.Ms 59, 1903, par. 2 Unsanctified judgment cannot equip managers of a sanitarium, and conversion is needed to recognize the folly of relying on one's own wisdom.Lt 112, 1901, par. 2–4 When workers lose hold on God and fail to guard His sacred work with clean, sanctified, righteous principles, God removes their wisdom and they become blinded and confused.Ms 6, 1900, par. 4–9 That loss is shown in mismanagement by trusted men wasting thousands, making no difference between sacred and common, exalting themselves for knowledge, acting selfishly for wages, dealing unevenly in paying workers, favoring relatives, gathering advantage to their own field, diminishing funds, bankrupting the cause, creating dearth of laborers and stopping advance, doing Satan's work.Ms 6, 1900, par. 4–9 There is a wisdom not from above in the world since the fall, marked by lifting self and trusting what man can do above what God can do, and when handlers of sacred things cherish it, lose piety, reverence and humble reliance, and take a worldly mold, their wisdom becomes foolishness and God has no use for them as laborers with Him.21MR 454.3–455.1 Relying on human counsel not guided by the Holy Spirit leads God's servants into error and can work against God's plans, and leaving God out of assemblies to gain acceptance from people displays weakness, because even the greatest human wisdom is foolishness to God and He alone can help the struggling soul.DA 354.1+1

Christian schools must reject worldly wisdom as the basis of education and teach according to wisdom from above, giving God's Word a larger place, for book knowledge alone is not education and knowledge of the physical universe, animal life, natural science and mechanical inventions does not make a teacher educated or fit to instruct youth.6T 133.1+1 A true educator must know God and Christ in his own soul, be himself a learner in Christ's school receiving from the divine Instructor, and do more than impart books by guiding youth, molding mind and character, watching for souls as one to give account, and being in character, manners, dress, habits and Christian courtesy what he wishes students to become.CT 65.1–3 Education pursued for worldly success and selfish ambition may be valued by the world but feeds pride, estranges from God and turns gifts from His service, while education shaped by worldly wisdom hardens the heart into disobedience and vanity.STE 51.3–52.2+1 By contrast education grounded in God's Word brings living connection with God and keeps Him before the mind, for true wisdom begins with reverence for God and is found in understanding His word.STE 51.3–52.2+1

Pursuing higher education shaped by false theories with God-given talents is foolishness bringing death rather than benefit.FE 471.2 People regarded as great and wise are fools before God when they teach ideas undermining the Bible and sowing skepticism, mixing intellectual arguments with wise observations that lead youth into delusion.4MR 50.1–3 Those regarded as learned dishonor God when they reshape Scriptures to suit their ideas and their claims are empty, whereas true wisdom comes from learning of Christ and education grounded in His teaching is higher education guiding practical life.Ms 54, 1896, par. 1 Human learning and accomplishments cannot save or reveal the plan of salvation, which only God's wisdom reveals, and without faith in the pardon offered at infinite cost they perish.CE 78.1

Apart from Christ science can mislead and philosophy can be foolish, for false theories and misleading methods oppose the truth radiating from Christ, whose life exposes them.7MR 385.2 It is better to appear foolish to the world than to embrace scientific knowledge that blinds judgment and leads into plans prompted by the deceiver.Lt 319, 1905, par. 6 Worldly learning without learning in Christ is foolishness for leading people to Christ, while true wisdom comes from instruction from above through Scriptures and the Saviour, to which the Holy Spirit gives practical saving power, qualifying even canvassers.CEv 11.1–2 Human wisdom without living connection with heaven produces teaching that gets above simplicity into personal theories and ambiguous words casting darkness, placing stumbling blocks, leading into mist instead of light.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 30–31 Such wisdom disqualifies a man from giving reason for faith, giving the church meat in due season, and fitting him for ministry, and only a humble, consecrated, pure, devoted man connected to heaven can serve.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 30–31

Human wisdom unless daily controlled by the Holy Spirit proves foolishness, so trust must not depend on ability or talent of men but place all in God's hands for Him to work in His way through whom He chooses.8MR 218.2+2 Truth advances not by ability, talent, anxious care or devising, for the agent cannot go everywhere, but by unwavering trust with prayer and faith doing what no earthly power can, so there is no need for anxiety even when imperfections appear.8MR 218.2+2 Those who seem to be weak God will use if they are humble, and with more faith and trust He will carry His work out with success.8MR 218.2+2 Wisdom separated from God becomes foolishness for physicians and helpers when they lay aside prayer, neglect the Sabbath and religious service for labor's cares.CH 433.3+1 God helps those who come in faith feeling weakness, and when small in their own eyes and leaning on Him He becomes their power and success attends, but when diverted Satan controls thoughts and perverts judgment, and neglecting prayer while relying on own judgment loses His help and invites Satan's influence.CH 433.3+1

Human wisdom trusted in itself is foolishness, so people must trust the living God, connect closely with Him, improve daily in knowledge and heavenly wisdom, lean on His unfailing power instead of becoming careless and independent, devote time to prayer and study, cherish Christ's meekness, and so become the light of the world and salt of the earth, rising in character till they walk with God like Enoch.Lt 53, 1878, par. 7–8 God's wisdom, not human wisdom, is the strength needed to remain faithful and overcome Satan's opposition, and believers are called to walk in God's wisdom rather than the world's as they prepare to carry truth.Lt 192, 1908, par. 2–3+1 Human wisdom is foolishness so well-doing is possible only through grace imparted by God, and no step should be taken in one's own wisdom trusting own strength for success.Lt 163, 1902, par. 8–9+1 Safety lies in daily repentance unto eternal life, daily refusal to deviate from clean principles, following where Christ leads, and entire surrender to Him.Lt 163, 1902, par. 8–9+1

The verse is to be studied and practiced as instruction to cooperate fully with God, deny fleshly lusts by total abstinence, keep the body in health as God's purchased property, keep intellect clear to think candidly and soberly without thinking more highly of self than ought, and glory in the Lord whom the Lord commends.20MR 106.2–107.1 Supposed human wisdom can be foolishness when judgment is impaired by a disordered stomach that clouds the brain and makes a person obstinately maintain mistaken opinions.Ms 24, 1902, par. 5–6+1 What children would learn by entering worldly society is only so-called wisdom to be kept from and saved from, and they must not go into society to learn its anything but be brought to knowledge of the infinite sacrifice their Saviour made to save them from that wisdom.Ms 100, 1901, par. 28 Wisdom that plans parties and social amusement while serious family duty is neglected is foolishness, as seen in sending invitations while a boy escapes with his life, a mother is worn with watching and a daughter amuses herself instead of sharing care.Lt 60, 1888, par. 3–4 True wisdom restrains the child, keeps her at her mother's side in sickness and leads her mind so solemn things have abiding influence.Lt 60, 1888, par. 3–4

Earthly wisdom sets the heart on earthly things, satisfied with the world, its customs and sayings, absorbed in valueless amusements giving no spiritual strength.Lt 34, 1890, par. 29–32+1 Feeding on that instead of on Christ as Bread of life leaves no practical religion or solid experience, makes worthless in this life and fails to gain the future life before Christ who paid redemption's price.16MR 311.3–312.2 A man's own strength is weakness and his own wisdom folly, learned by enduring the cross and following Christ from manger to judgment hall and Calvary.TCBMP 33.1 Seeking pleasure brings sore affliction, and failing to improve time and talents at one's post leads to tedious sickness such as months of suffering from exposure on a pleasure trip.TCBMP 33.1 Trusting one's own wisdom without overcoming evil within and around with earnest perseverance leaves one unsaved.Ms 37, 1890, par. 24

In prayer for the sick human wisdom is folly, so people should not assume they know what is best or insist God answer in their way and time, but seek His purpose and accept His will, trusting He can do more and better than their wishes.2T 148.2 Leaning on one's own wisdom turns it into foolishness and a curse, especially for talented people with strong traits riding on popularity who become giddy, proud, ambitious and self-sufficient.ST Mar 13, 1893 Kept under the Spirit those traits become blessing, while those who give themselves unselfishly without swerving from principle are held by God's arms as helper and will sing triumph in the city of God.ST Mar 13, 1893 Human wisdom becomes foolishness when people rely on own judgment instead of letting God guide, and God may let them follow their course to learn its folly, with serving selfish interests bringing its consequences.2T 569.3

Human plans and calculations without thorough trust in God will prove failure, and God proves His people through trying circumstances to reveal hearts and teach this truth.TCBMP 17.1–18.2+2 Errors should teach without leading servants to shun burdens and individual responsibility, while ministers who avoid responsibility fearing mistakes must learn errors should teach them to take burdens and move forward in faith.TCBMP 17.1–18.2+2 Judgment about worldly matters becomes foolish unless all is dedicated to God.2T 155.2 True wisdom is shown not in fair speech or knowledge alone but in good works and right use of knowledge with meekness, gentleness, mercy and love.ST Oct 30, 1901 Depending on worldly policy called wisdom leaves people spiritually poor and unable to serve well, so Christ's power is essential for faithful stewardship in speech, conduct and every transaction with mercy, justice and God's love.ST Oct 30, 1901

Human talents and wisdom come from God, so even the greatest people's worldly wisdom is foolishness to Him, and people must not claim glory or let honor turn from God but as stewards be faithful, make God first and give Him glory.RH Jan 11, 1906 The holy temple to be prepared as God's building is designed by no human skill and wrought by no human hand, which God will destroy if defiled, calling for contrite humility in which He can dwell.Lt 31, 1902, par. 29–30