Paul's concern and love for those among whom he had preached and worked made him explain to them the nature of true Christian wisdo. Here he contrasts worldly wisdom with Christian wisdom, explaining that his teaching was effective because it was " the language of the Cross" (v:18), a language understood fully by those who accept the crucified Lord as Saviour. Purely human wisdom is useless if there is no trust and belief in God's power to save.

The philosophical system depended upon by the Greeks would consider it illogical to the point of insanity to have a god submitting to crucifixion, whilst the Jews' expectation of a powerful and glorious Messiah was a stumbling block in facing a suffering Messiah. For Paul, "those who have been called" (v.24) are those who understand that Christ is " the power of God" (v.25) because in Him lie our salvation and resurrection. Christ is also "the wisdom of God "(v.25).

A different kind of wisdom is the subject of the Parable of the Ten Virgins, found only in Matthew's Gospel. Here, the wisdom is the preparedness one needs to practise to obtain entry to the Kingdom of God. Wisdom here involves looking towards a heavenly future by living wisely in the present, doing the Father's will here and now.