Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:25

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." — 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ASV)

Because the foolishness of God. This refers to what God appoints, requires, commands, does, etc., which appears foolish to people. The passage is not to be understood as affirming that God's actions are really foolish or unwise, but that they appear so to human beings. Perhaps the apostle here refers to those parts of the Divine administration where the wisdom of the plan is not seen, or where the reason for what God does is concealed.

Is wiser than men. It is better adapted to accomplish important ends, and more certainly effectual, than the schemes of human wisdom. This is especially true of the plan of salvation—a plan apparently foolish to most people, yet undoubtedly accomplishing more for the renewing of people, and for their purity and happiness, than all the schemes of human contrivance. Human schemes have accomplished nothing toward people's salvation; this plan accomplishes everything. They have always failed; this never fails.

The weakness of God. There is really no weakness in God, any more than there is folly. This must mean, therefore, the things of His appointment which appear weak and insufficient to accomplish the end. Such are these facts: that God should seek to save the world by Jesus of Nazareth, who was supposed unable to save Himself (Matthew 27:40–43); and that He should expect to save people by the gospel, by its being preached by individuals who were without learning, eloquence, wealth, fame, or power. The instruments were feeble, and people judged that this was due to the weakness or want of power in the God who appointed them.

Is stronger than men. It is able to accomplish more than the utmost human might. The feeblest agency that God puts forth—so feeble as to be considered weakness—is able to accomplish more than the utmost human might. The apostle here refers particularly to the work of redemption, but it is true everywhere. We may remark:

1. That God often accomplishes His mightiest plans by that which seems to people to be weak, and even foolish. The most mighty revolutions often arise from the slightest causes; His most vast operations are often connected with very feeble means. The revolution of empires, the mighty effects of pestilence, the advancement in the sciences and arts, and the operations of nature are often brought about by means apparently as little fitted to accomplish the work as those employed in the plan of redemption.

2. God is great. If His feeblest powers, put forth, surpass the mightiest human powers, how great His might must be! If human powers—which rear works of art, level mountains, and elevate vales—if the power that reared the pyramids is as nothing when compared with the feeblest exertion of Divine power, how mighty His arm must be! How vast is that strength which made and upholds the rolling worlds! How safe are His people in His hand! And how easy it is for Him to crush all His foes in death!