A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 3:19

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:" — 1 Corinthians 3:19 (ASV)

Foolishness with God (μωρια παρα τω θεω). Whose standard does a church (temple) of God wish, that of this world or of God? The two standards are not the same. It is a pertinent inquiry with us all whose idea rules in our church. Paul quotes Job 5:13.

That taketh (ο δρασσομενος). Old verb δρασσομα, to grasp with the hand, is used here for the less vivid word in the LXX καταλαμβανων. It occurs nowhere else in the N.T., but appears in the papyri to lay hands on. Job is quoted in the N.T. only here and in Ro 11:35 and both times with variations from the LXX. This word occurs in Ecclesiasticus 26:7; 34:2. In Ps 2:12 the LXX has δραξασθε παιδειας, lay hold on instruction.

Craftiness (πανουργια). The πανουργος man is ready for any or all work (if bad enough). So it means versatile cleverness (Robertson and Plummer), astutia (Vulgate).