1 Corinthians 3:18 bbe — Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may…

Bible in Basic English

"Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise."

— 1 Corinthians 3:18, Bible in Basic English

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Corinthians 3:18 in Other Translations

3 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 3 — Context

15

If the fire puts an end to any man's work, it will be his loss: but he will get salvation himself, though as by fire.

16

Do you not see that you are God's holy house, and that the Spirit of God has his place in you?

17

If anyone makes the house of God unclean, God will put an end to him; for the house of God is holy, and you are his house.

18

Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.

19

For the wisdom of this world is foolish before God. As it is said in the holy Writings, He who takes the wise in their secret designs:

20

And again, The Lord has knowledge of the reasonings of the wise, that they are nothing.

21

So let no one take pride in men. For all things are yours;

1 Corinthians 3:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 3:18 say?
1 Corinthians 3:18 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 3:18 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 3:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 3, verse 18.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 3:18.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 3:18 in?
1 Corinthians 3:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 3:18?
1 Corinthians 3:18 reads (BBE): “Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2