How does an unbeliever get the wisdom of God?
The unbeliever must become a fool in this world by accepting the preaching of the cross—that Christ died, was buried, and rose again—which seems like foolishness to the lost. Through that apparent foolishness, God imparts His wisdom and power. This is how the unsaved person moves from worldly wisdom to God's wisdom.
Les explains that the verse says if any man among you seems wise in this world, let him become a fool so he can really become wise. That sounds like double talk, but it is not. The unsaved person becomes a fool to become wise by going back to 1 Corinthians 1:18, the preaching of the cross: that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead. To the lost person, that preaching is foolishness, but to the saved it is the power of God. Les teaches that the unbeliever has to recognize he better go into what he thinks is foolishness, and out of that foolishness he can get the wisdom of God. Paul keeps driving at this term wisdom throughout the early chapters of Corinthians. Les says we gain wisdom by going to what we think is lost people's foolishness, the gospel, and then the power of God is poured out on us as His wisdom as well. Verse 19 adds that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, including all the great philosophy, literature, and works of art.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
More Questions
Who is Paul addressing in 1 Corinthians 3:18 and what must that person do to get real wisdom?
In 1 Corinthians 3:18 Paul begins to digress and addresses the unbeliever, telling him that if he thinks he is wise in the things of this world and wants real wisdom, he must change his approach to life.