The wisdom of this world

The apostle Paul wrote:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." (1CO 1:18-19)

Jesus said:

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." (MT 11:25)

And:

"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (MT 19:23-24)

Jesus does NOT indicate that it is difficult for those who are wise in the eyes of this world to enter the kingdom, only for those who are rich. Yet, I wonder ... is intelligence and learning as much a barrier to entering the kingdom as riches? It seems that it may be. After all, where does the light of faith burn the brightest? Is it in academic settings? Among scientists? Among philosophers? Or is it among those who study less and have a simple faith? Is it as tempting to rely on superior intellect for understanding of life as it is to rely on riches for security?

Who are the little children to whom the Father reveals the secrets of the kingdom? Is it those with much learning? Or is it those who don't understand many things but who choose to believe God and trust him?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (PR 9:10)

How many people with strong intellects are willing to set aside their logic and their grasp on reality and embrace the foolishness of the cross where, as Derek Webb puts it, things are upside down?

What looks like weakness can do anything
And what looks like foolishness is understanding
When what is powerful has not come to fight
It looks like you’re going to war
But you lay down your life. (From What Looks Like Love)

How many are willing to ‘buy into’ the precepts of God and start with the fear of the Lord in order to pursue and find true wisdom? How many will set aside what they have learned with their heads in order to start thinking with their hearts? How can we open doors for the intelligent into the wisdom of God which sometimes looks so very foolish? Should we expect the church to include few who are “wise by human standards”? (see 1 CO 1:26) Is there a way to minister effectively to the educated among us, to those who have confidence in their intellect to reveal the ways of this world to them?

What do you think?