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ESVClaiming to be wise, they became fools,
NIVAlthough they claimed to be wise, they became fools
NASBClaiming to be wise, they became fools,
CSBClaiming to be wise, they became fools
NLTClaiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
KJVProfessing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.
David wrote that the fool says in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). Paul writes here that fools often have something in common: They believe themselves to be wise. This often-cited verse carries profound implications for how we, as human beings, understand our relationship to God.
Paul is describing the downward spiral, falling further away from God, through which humanity naturally descends into unrighteousness. This is true of all of us by nature. It begins with rejecting what we ought to know about God through creation (Romans 1:18–20). Having rejected the idea of God as creator, why would we honor Him or give Him thanks? Having rejected Him as provider and the One who must be worshiped, how could we arrive at any right understanding of the universe?
When you start from false assumptions, you all but guarantee false conclusions. Trying to live as if God is not the sovereign Creator can only lead to disaster. That starts with the way we think and reason. In an attempt to dismiss God, or to explain away all He has shown of Himself, we go to great lengths twisting our minds and our arguments. As a result, while we think of ourselves as "wise," we're really just becoming more and more foolish.
At this point on the downward spiral, or the ladder of unrighteousness, human beings can't even think correctly, and have grown dark in our hearts toward God. It gets worse from there.
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THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.
As a seasoned biblical scholar with an extensive background in religious studies, I have delved deeply into the various translations of the Bible, the historical context of its books, and the nuanced interpretations of its verses. My expertise extends beyond a mere surface-level understanding, evident in my ability to analyze and compare different versions of the Bible with precision.
In the provided text, a verse is quoted from the book of Romans, specifically Romans 1:22. This verse is presented in various translations: ESV (English Standard Version), NIV (New International Version), NASB (New American Standard Bible), CSB (Christian Standard Bible), NLT (New Living Translation), and KJV (King James Version). The verse serves as a focal point for discussing the human condition and its deviation from a righteous path.
The verse, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools," is a powerful statement attributed to the apostle Paul. It echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 14:1, where David asserts that the fool denies the existence of God. Paul's words in Romans 1:22 expand on this concept, suggesting that human folly is often rooted in the arrogant claim of wisdom.
The broader context of the passage emphasizes the consequences of humanity's rejection of God. It traces a downward spiral, illustrating how turning away from the acknowledgment of God as the creator leads to distorted thinking and a darkening of the heart. This descent into unrighteousness is portrayed as a consequence of flawed reasoning and a refusal to acknowledge the divine.
The article also touches on the fundamental concept of the Gospel, urging readers to reflect on the implications of their beliefs and actions in light of biblical teachings. The incorporation of multiple Bible versions, such as ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, and KJV, demonstrates a commitment to presenting a comprehensive understanding of the scripture, catering to diverse readerships and theological preferences.
In essence, the text provides a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, wisdom, and the consequences of rejecting a divine framework. It weaves together the wisdom of David, the insights of Paul, and the varied perspectives of different Bible translations to offer a nuanced and comprehensive reflection on the theme of human folly and its implications in the context of faith.
