Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’, and again,‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ (1Corinthians 3: 18-20)

My reading of Corinthians is influenced by Plato, especially his Protogoras, Sophist and Phaedrus.

I tend to perceive Plato and Paul as allies in idealism against utilitarianism. Both are sure that Truth exists. Each counsel against relativistic and self-indulgent intellectualism.

Sophisticated Greek thought could see some value in nearly every argument, even as it was skeptical of any ultimate value.

There is a sophisticated crowd at Corinth. Paul is respectful of their insights. But he is concerned about their potential influence on others and their pridefulness.

Plato was confident the ultimate exists, but is difficult to know. Paul is sure that Jesus Christ is the ultimate and can be experienced. For Paul, however, humility - not wisdom - is the best path to the ultimate.

Above Paul is quoting from Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11. Both suggest the danger of arrogant, self-deceiving, and truth-avoiding words.