1 Corinthians 2:6
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Paul subtly shifts the conversation here, pointing out that the "wisdom" he shares isn't meant for everyone, but specifically for those who are spiritually "mature." This implies that understanding God's deeper truths is a process, not an instant download, and that the wisdom of this world, even from powerful leaders, is ultimately temporary and futile.
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, where people are following different leaders and boasting in worldly wisdom. He's contrasting that superficial knowledge with the true, Spirit-revealed wisdom of God that he and other mature believers share, a wisdom that isn't based on the fleeting values of this world or its leaders. This sets the stage for him to explain how God's wisdom, revealed through the Spirit, is what truly empowers and unites believers, not human eloquence or status.
Paul talks about two kinds of wisdom. One sounds impressive, but it's fleeting. The other might seem foolish, but it's eternal. What's the difference, and which one are we chasing?
Paul draws a sharp contrast here between two wisdoms: the wisdom of 'this age' and God's wisdom.
The Wisdom of This Age
This is the wisdom valued by the world system – cleverness, political maneuvering, intellectual prowess, eloquent rhetoric, and the kind of 'common sense' that relies solely on human understanding and earthly power. It's the wisdom of the 'rulers of this age' – the powerful, the influential, the seemingly wise people of the world. But Paul is clear: this wisdom is 'doomed to pass away.' It's temporary, ultimately ineffective against God's purposes, and destined for obsolescence.
God's Wisdom
This is the wisdom Paul and the apostles impart. It's not earned through human effort or worldly achievement. It comes directly from God, revealed through the Spirit. It often looks 'foolish' to the world (as Paul explains elsewhere in this chapter), but it's the power of God for salvation and transformation. It's eternal and triumphs over all earthly wisdom.
Paul says he imparts wisdom 'among the mature.' Who are these mature believers, and what does it mean to be ready to receive divine truth?
The phrase 'among the mature' (or 'among the full-grown,' 'among the perfect' in some translations) is key. It suggests that while God's wisdom is available to all who believe, there's a capacity to receive and understand it that grows over time.
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What 'Mature' Means Here
It doesn't necessarily mean intellectually brilliant or having been a Christian for decades. In the New Testament context, maturity often relates to:
Paul isn't gatekeeping God's wisdom; he's acknowledging that spiritual understanding requires a certain receptiveness and a willingness to move beyond the limitations of worldly thinking.
Understand the original words
teleios · Greek Adjective
Refers to those who have reached a state of spiritual completeness or full growth in their walk with Christ; those who are no longer spiritual infants.
aiōn · Greek Noun
A general term denoting the current world system, which is often characterized by rebellion against God, spiritual blindness, and temporary status.
archōn · Greek Noun
Spiritual, supernatural, or earthly authorities and powers, whether human or demonic, that operate in opposition to or ignorance of God's redemptive plan.
sophia · Greek Noun
The ultimate, divine truth revealed by God through Christ, which is inaccessible to human reason and hidden from the world's wisdom.
This letter was written to a vibrant but deeply troubled church in a prominent Roman city, a place known for its cosmopolitan culture and intellectualism, which helps explain Paul's emphasis on the distinctiveness of God's wisdom.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends significant time in Corinth, establishing a church and teaching.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Imprisonment and Letters
Paul likely writes several letters to the Corinthian church from Ephesus or Caesarea during periods of imprisonment.
c. 55-57 AD— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes the First Epistle to the Corinthians in response to reports and questions from the church, addressing divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues.
c. 57 AD
Return of Timothy
Timothy, sent by Paul, reports back on the state of the Corinthian church, bringing further news that prompts Paul's writing.
This passage sets up the contrast between human wisdom and God's wisdom, highlighting that God's 'foolishness' is wiser than human 'wisdom'.
Colossians 2:8It warns against being taken captive by persuasive arguments and human tradition, echoing the idea that worldly wisdom is ultimately empty.
Romans 12:2This verse directly calls believers not to conform to the present age, reinforcing the theme that the wisdom of this age is temporary and misguided.
John 12:31Jesus speaks of the ruler of this world being cast out, which connects to the idea in 1 Corinthians that the rulers of this age are doomed to pass away.
Paul subtly shifts the conversation here, pointing out that the "wisdom" he shares isn't meant for everyone, but specifically for those who are spiritually "mature." This implies that understanding God's deeper truths is a process, not an instant download, and that the wisdom of this world, even from powerful leaders, is ultimately temporary and futile.
Paul is addressing the divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, where people are following different leaders and boasting in worldly wisdom. He's contrasting that superficial knowledge with the true, Spirit-revealed wisdom of God that he and other mature believers share, a wisdom that isn't based on the fleeting values of this world or its leaders. This sets the stage for him to explain how God's wisdom, revealed through the Spirit, is what truly empowers and unites believers, not human eloquence or status.
Paul is addressing the divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, where people are following different leaders and boasting in worldly wisdom. He's contrasting that superficial knowledge with the true, Spirit-revealed wisdom of God that he and other mature believers share, a wisdom that isn't based on the fleeting values of this world or its leaders. This sets the stage for him to explain how God's wisdom, revealed through the Spirit, is what truly empowers and unites believers, not human eloquence or status.
"Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away." — Paul subtly shifts the conversation here, pointing out that the "wisdom" he shares isn't meant for everyone, but specifically for those who are spiritually "mature." This implies that understanding G…
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Last reviewed October 2026
