But the foolish [things] of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the wise, and the weak [things] of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the strong,

Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not that I may put a restriction on you, but to promote appropriate and devoted service to the Lord without distraction.

nor put Christ to the test, as some of them tested [him], and were destroyed by snakes,

If {we have put our hope} in Christ in this life only, we are of all people most pitiable.

For it is necessary for him to reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

For it is necessary [for] this perishable [body] to put on incorruptibility, and this mortal [body] to put on immortality.

But whenever this perishable [body] puts on incorruptibility and this mortal [body] puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: "Death is swallowed up in victory.

On the first [day] of the week, each one of you {put aside} [something], saving up {to whatever extent he has prospered}, in order that whenever I come, at that time collections do not take place.