I will go to the people in power and talk with them. Surely they know what their God requires, what the LORD wants them to do." But all of them have rejected the LORD's authority and refuse to obey him.

At that time Jesus said, "Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned.

"Have you ever known one of the authorities or one Pharisee to believe in him?

Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing.

God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.

The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made.

None of the rulers of this world knew this wisdom. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich!

They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

He silences those who are trusted, and takes the wisdom of old people away.

Someone may rise from poverty to become king of his country, or go from prison to the throne, but if in his old age he is too foolish to take advice, he is not as well off as a young man who is poor but intelligent.