17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross {Gr. stauros – stake} of Christ should be made void.
18 For the word of the cross {Gr. stauros – stake} is foolishness to those that perish, but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the philosopher of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For in the wisdom of God, since the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, {Gr. Stauroo – hung on a stake}, unto the Jews a stumblingblock and unto the Gentiles foolishness;