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The "Be" Commentary
Be Wise: 1 Corinthians: Discern the Difference Between Man's Knowledge and God's Wisdom
The early church in Corinth was falling apart. Sin was rampant, divisions were growing, and the congregation was living no differently than the world around them. What had corrupted this once vibrant church? The apostle Paul immediately understood the The people had traded God's perfect wisdom for faulty human knowledge. Be Wise guides us through Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he encourages his fellow believers to embrace a life of wisdom and truth.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Wise has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares a wealth of insights on living wisely.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Wise has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares a wealth of insights on living wisely.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
353 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books411 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2016
This commentary helped me to see the context of Paul's writing to the Corinthians, and also to gain insights into the meaning of his words as they might apply to my life today. I'm moving on to his commentary on 2 Corinthians ("Be Encouraged") now in anticipation of more insight and personal spiritual growth.
May 10, 2017
This is the only book I have read by Warren W. Wiersbe and I’m not sure I’m excited to read another one. Having started off reading this book in preparation for sermons on 1 Corinthians, I realized early on that I probably was not going to like this book but hey, I need to finish it so I can put on my reading list. In times like these, I begin to think maybe this reading list isn’t the best of ideas but I’m forcing myself to finish what I have started.
Wiersbe has deep ties to Moody Bible Institute and has taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He also has been involved with the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcasts. He is considered a pastor of pastors.
That’s why I was fairly disappointed with how shallow his commentary on 1 Corinthians was. He approaches the text with a straightforward walk-through of the verses but at many points in his work, I wasn’t sure what new information one would have from just reading the actual book of 1 Corinthians through. What I appreciate about really good commentaries is their exploration of the Biblical culture and history of the time which (in the vast majority of cases) really illuminates the text itself. The identification of textual criticism and variants, I think, is also especially helpful. These items are stunningly missing from Wiersbe’s commentary. One could argue that is approach is more pastoral and focused on application of the Word of God but I didn’t even find the application aspects to be that challenging, convicting or inspiring.
Wiersbe has deep ties to Moody Bible Institute and has taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He also has been involved with the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcasts. He is considered a pastor of pastors.
That’s why I was fairly disappointed with how shallow his commentary on 1 Corinthians was. He approaches the text with a straightforward walk-through of the verses but at many points in his work, I wasn’t sure what new information one would have from just reading the actual book of 1 Corinthians through. What I appreciate about really good commentaries is their exploration of the Biblical culture and history of the time which (in the vast majority of cases) really illuminates the text itself. The identification of textual criticism and variants, I think, is also especially helpful. These items are stunningly missing from Wiersbe’s commentary. One could argue that is approach is more pastoral and focused on application of the Word of God but I didn’t even find the application aspects to be that challenging, convicting or inspiring.
May 9, 2012
"Be Wise" is a Bible commentary on 1 Corinthians. In the old version of the book, there were no Bible study questions given in the book. There appear to be small group study questions at the end of each chapter in the newest version of this book.
Each chapter covered a chunk of 1 Corinthians that covered a similar theme, but you need to read the Scripture from your own Bible as the verses aren't provided in the book. It simply assumed you had read the verses that were being talked about.
The book was easy to read and understand, and it drew out some interesting points from the Bible text. The author made some doctrinal statements that some denominations will strongly disagree with, but he didn't spend much time supporting his view. He also made at least one error in his historical statements. On page 161, he said, "The early church met on the first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Even in the Bible, it states that they met together on other days as well. It wasn't until later, for political reasons, that the first day of the week was made the "correct" day to meet for formal meetings of Christians. Overall, though, it was still a good book.
Each chapter covered a chunk of 1 Corinthians that covered a similar theme, but you need to read the Scripture from your own Bible as the verses aren't provided in the book. It simply assumed you had read the verses that were being talked about.
The book was easy to read and understand, and it drew out some interesting points from the Bible text. The author made some doctrinal statements that some denominations will strongly disagree with, but he didn't spend much time supporting his view. He also made at least one error in his historical statements. On page 161, he said, "The early church met on the first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Even in the Bible, it states that they met together on other days as well. It wasn't until later, for political reasons, that the first day of the week was made the "correct" day to meet for formal meetings of Christians. Overall, though, it was still a good book.
January 20, 2022
If there was ever a church full of problems, it was the one in Corinthians in the NT era. The church was divided over their favorite preachers. Blatant immorally was tolerated. They turned the Lord’s Supper into a feast which showed up who had plenty and who did not. They were proud of their gifts.
But Paul didn’t wash his hands of them, at least not without trying to help them first. He wrote them in one letter that we don’t have. They responded with questions, and 1 Corinthians is his answer to them
In Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Discern the Difference Between Man’s Knowledge and God’s Wisdom, Warren W. Wiersbe gives us some insights into Paul’s letter.
Wiersbe points out that “when you have proud people depending on human wisdom, adopting the lifestyle of the world, you are going to have problems. In order to help them solve their problems, Paul opened his letter by reminding them of their calling in Christ” (p. 20, Kindle version). Everything Paul would say to the Corinthians would be couched in and would spring from that truth.
Then Paul thanked God for them and commended them. This was not just a softening in preparation for the hard things he would have to say to them, but a recognition that God was at work in them. That’s a good reminder for us when we tend to have “all or nothing” views about people’s standing with the Lord. The Corinthians had some severe problems and some stern truths which needed to be pointed out, yet there was evidence God was at work in them.
Then Paul addresses the Corinthians issues while also answering questions they had sent him. He discusses their divisions, sexual immorality in the church, their ungodly way of handling disputes with each other, marriage, how to handle differences of opinion concerning food offered to idols, the Lord’s Supper (communion), spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.
All of these issues are vital for us today. Most of the world doesn’t have to deal with food offered to idols, but the principles Paul discusses are helpful with differences of opinions believers face over other issues today.
1 Corinthians also contains classic passages like chapter 13 on godly love (placed, interesting, in the middle of discussion about spiritual gifts) and chapter 15 about the resurrection (which we tend to hear a lot from during funerals, but we need its truths daily.
Paul wraps up his letter, as he often does, with personal greetings, news, travel plans. It’s easy just to breeze past this section, but Wiersbe points out good food for thought here as well. For instance, Paul mentions Apollos, one of the preachers that a “fan club” had developed around. The fact that Paul urged Apollos to go to the Corinthians showed that there was no animosity or competition between the men themselves.
Then Wiersbe gives a brief history of Timothy and Priscilla and Aquilla, who are also mentioned in this section, and how their ministries intertwined with Paul’s.
Here are a few of the quotes in the book that stood out to me:
As always, Wiersbe’s knowledge and insights were very helpful in navigating the important truths in this book of the Bible.
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But Paul didn’t wash his hands of them, at least not without trying to help them first. He wrote them in one letter that we don’t have. They responded with questions, and 1 Corinthians is his answer to them
In Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Discern the Difference Between Man’s Knowledge and God’s Wisdom, Warren W. Wiersbe gives us some insights into Paul’s letter.
Wiersbe points out that “when you have proud people depending on human wisdom, adopting the lifestyle of the world, you are going to have problems. In order to help them solve their problems, Paul opened his letter by reminding them of their calling in Christ” (p. 20, Kindle version). Everything Paul would say to the Corinthians would be couched in and would spring from that truth.
Then Paul thanked God for them and commended them. This was not just a softening in preparation for the hard things he would have to say to them, but a recognition that God was at work in them. That’s a good reminder for us when we tend to have “all or nothing” views about people’s standing with the Lord. The Corinthians had some severe problems and some stern truths which needed to be pointed out, yet there was evidence God was at work in them.
Then Paul addresses the Corinthians issues while also answering questions they had sent him. He discusses their divisions, sexual immorality in the church, their ungodly way of handling disputes with each other, marriage, how to handle differences of opinion concerning food offered to idols, the Lord’s Supper (communion), spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.
All of these issues are vital for us today. Most of the world doesn’t have to deal with food offered to idols, but the principles Paul discusses are helpful with differences of opinions believers face over other issues today.
1 Corinthians also contains classic passages like chapter 13 on godly love (placed, interesting, in the middle of discussion about spiritual gifts) and chapter 15 about the resurrection (which we tend to hear a lot from during funerals, but we need its truths daily.
Paul wraps up his letter, as he often does, with personal greetings, news, travel plans. It’s easy just to breeze past this section, but Wiersbe points out good food for thought here as well. For instance, Paul mentions Apollos, one of the preachers that a “fan club” had developed around. The fact that Paul urged Apollos to go to the Corinthians showed that there was no animosity or competition between the men themselves.
Then Wiersbe gives a brief history of Timothy and Priscilla and Aquilla, who are also mentioned in this section, and how their ministries intertwined with Paul’s.
Here are a few of the quotes in the book that stood out to me:
Paul depended on the power of the Holy Spirit. It was not his experience or ability that gave his ministry its power; it was the work of the Spirit of God. His preaching was a “demonstration,” not a “performance” (p. 35).
To “have the mind of Christ” does not mean we are infallible and start playing God in the lives of other people. Nobody instructs God! (Paul quoted Isa. 40: 13. Also see Rom. 11: 33–36.) To “have the mind of Christ” means to look at life from the Savior’s point of view, having His values and desires in mind. It means to think God’s thoughts and not think as the world thinks (p. 43).
A mature Christian uses his gifts as tools to build with, while an immature believer uses gifts as toys to play with or trophies to boast about. Many of the members of the Corinthian church enjoyed “showing off” their gifts, but they were not interested in serving one another and edifying the church (p. 50).
Perhaps we cannot help but have our personal preferences when it comes to the way different men minister the Word. But we must not permit our personal preferences to become divisive prejudices. In fact, the preacher I may enjoy the least may be the one I need the most! (p. 57).
There can be a fine line between a clear conscience and a self-righteous attitude, so we must beware (p. 63).
Church discipline is not a group of “pious policemen” out to catch a criminal. Rather, it is a group of brokenhearted brothers and sisters seeking to restore an erring member of the family (p. 73).
Knowledge can be a weapon to fight with or a tool to build with, depending on how it is used. If it “puffs up” then it cannot “build up [edify]” (p. 99).
“A know-it-all attitude is only an evidence of ignorance. The person who really knows truth is only too conscious of how much he does not know. Furthermore, it is one thing to know doctrine and quite something else to know God. It is possible to grow in Bible knowledge and yet not grow in grace or in one’s personal relationship with God. The test is love, which is the second factor Paul discussed (p. 99).
It is interesting that Paul mentioned the offering just after his discussion about the resurrection. There were no “chapter breaks” in the original manuscripts, so the readers would go right from Paul’s hymn of victory into his discussion about money. Doctrine and duty go together; so do worship and works. Our giving is “not in vain” because our Lord is alive. It is His resurrection power that motivates us to give and to serve (p. 178).
As always, Wiersbe’s knowledge and insights were very helpful in navigating the important truths in this book of the Bible.
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November 10, 2015
As always Wiersbe is giving a good overview over the book from the viewpoint of how to be wise of different areas. I did not like his way of dealing with the spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and the ministry of the prophet, which he claims is not active today like it was in the new testament. It was to generalized for me. Otherwise a good tool to study 1 Corinthians
July 9, 2012
I love Weirsbe's series and this book is no exception.
November 21, 2016
As always love Warren's books as he explains the passages and the meaning behind them in down to earth terminology. This book makes an excellent devotional.
February 16, 2024
I have enjoyed many of Wiersbe's commentaries! They are easy to read and offer much insight. For some reason this volume was not one of my favorites. I differ with Wiersbe doctrinally on a few points, which came out in this book. However there were a few real gems that I came away with, two of which I will mention.
First, I appreciated how he treated I Corinthians 13. He said that we often take this chapter out of context. I, however, had always thought I had looked at it in context so was pleasantly surprised to see how narrow my context was. I have always looked at chapter 13 as being the needed message between chapter 12 and 14, where Paul treats spiritual gifts. I had always reflected on the need for the gift of Holy love, more than any of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us. In fact, the gift of Holy love is intended for everyone in the church. But Wiersbe helped me look beyond those two chapters to the wider context of the rest of the book. As he went through verses 4-7 he showed the contrasting values in the Corinthian church. In chapter 11 they are anything but patient, as they couldn't even wait for their brothers before they ate. They were jealous over which spiritual gifts others had (ch. 12). They were puffed up and arrogant (ch. 4). They were seeking their own interests (ch 6). In chapter 5 they were rejoicing in unrighteousness. These are just a few of his examples. I really appreciated this broader context in understanding chapter 13.
Then in the chapter 16, where I have been quick to dismiss it as "just the closing words", Wiersbe points out some powerful truths. He reminds us that the last chapter has no break from chapter 15, so don't dismiss the connection. Then although Paul talks about stewardship of money, he also talks of two other important "commodities"(my word). After the reminder about the offering, which would be good stewardship of money, Paul talks about his plans to visit Corinth. But then Paul says that in Ephesus he has "a wide door for effective work." Here Weirsbe talks about the stewardship of opportunities. Are we looking at our present "open doors" or are we looking at only the closed doors? Paul continues talking about different people he is working with. Wiersbe says that we are also to be good stewards of our relationships. How are we investing in those around us? These are such good reminders!
First, I appreciated how he treated I Corinthians 13. He said that we often take this chapter out of context. I, however, had always thought I had looked at it in context so was pleasantly surprised to see how narrow my context was. I have always looked at chapter 13 as being the needed message between chapter 12 and 14, where Paul treats spiritual gifts. I had always reflected on the need for the gift of Holy love, more than any of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us. In fact, the gift of Holy love is intended for everyone in the church. But Wiersbe helped me look beyond those two chapters to the wider context of the rest of the book. As he went through verses 4-7 he showed the contrasting values in the Corinthian church. In chapter 11 they are anything but patient, as they couldn't even wait for their brothers before they ate. They were jealous over which spiritual gifts others had (ch. 12). They were puffed up and arrogant (ch. 4). They were seeking their own interests (ch 6). In chapter 5 they were rejoicing in unrighteousness. These are just a few of his examples. I really appreciated this broader context in understanding chapter 13.
Then in the chapter 16, where I have been quick to dismiss it as "just the closing words", Wiersbe points out some powerful truths. He reminds us that the last chapter has no break from chapter 15, so don't dismiss the connection. Then although Paul talks about stewardship of money, he also talks of two other important "commodities"(my word). After the reminder about the offering, which would be good stewardship of money, Paul talks about his plans to visit Corinth. But then Paul says that in Ephesus he has "a wide door for effective work." Here Weirsbe talks about the stewardship of opportunities. Are we looking at our present "open doors" or are we looking at only the closed doors? Paul continues talking about different people he is working with. Wiersbe says that we are also to be good stewards of our relationships. How are we investing in those around us? These are such good reminders!
September 14, 2018
“Be Wise” is Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on the book of 1 Corinthians from his “BE Series.” It is a book of the Bible not all agree on interpretation, and therefore, selecting a good commentary on the book can be tricky. But...Wiersbe’s specialty seems to be taking something that’s difficult and putting it in plain words and a simple format. That’s exactly what he did with “Be Wise.” He didn’t go over what others have disagreed on - he kept his text focused on what was going on in this church at the time of Paul’s writing and what it means for us today.
I really liked how he explained some of the more difficult passages in a simple way. For example, his explanation of women wearing a head covering was great. It sounds so complicated in Scripture, but Wiersbe explained it so everyone could understand it. Regardless of denominational differences, I would feel confident recommending this commentary to a friend or anyone who is having a hard time understanding the book of 1 Corinthians. Like all his other books in the “BE Series,” this one is a verse by verse study that’s broken down chapter by chapter. A great little book!
I really liked how he explained some of the more difficult passages in a simple way. For example, his explanation of women wearing a head covering was great. It sounds so complicated in Scripture, but Wiersbe explained it so everyone could understand it. Regardless of denominational differences, I would feel confident recommending this commentary to a friend or anyone who is having a hard time understanding the book of 1 Corinthians. Like all his other books in the “BE Series,” this one is a verse by verse study that’s broken down chapter by chapter. A great little book!
March 24, 2020
I have read several books in the BE series from Warren Wiersbe and always find them helpful. This is the first time I recall disagreeing with an important point he made. He stated that the "sign gifts" (miracles, healings, and tongues) ended with the apostles. He said that was indicated in the Book of Acts but did not give a specific reference, and I haven't seen anything in the Bible that says these gifts have ended. I don't doubt that they happen much less frequently than they did in the infancy of the church, but I have had healing through prayer and have seen miracles. So I believe that all of God's gifts are still at work in the world.
August 14, 2025
A good overview of 1 Corinthians. I have read several of Wiersbe's Be Series and use them for guidance, cultural history, scriptural history or context. I've never noticed Wiersbe's biases as much as I did with this book.
He has a Christian perspective, but it's a belief that some gifts are not for today. On page 332 of the digital ebook, Wiersbe said that there are no prophets or false prophets to worry about today. There's only false teachers.
My summaries and outlines didn't always match Wiersbe's but I still think it's a good resource to use.
He has a Christian perspective, but it's a belief that some gifts are not for today. On page 332 of the digital ebook, Wiersbe said that there are no prophets or false prophets to worry about today. There's only false teachers.
My summaries and outlines didn't always match Wiersbe's but I still think it's a good resource to use.
November 30, 2020
This book came at just the right time. A friend had exposed the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) movement and infiltration that is happening in churches world wide. It was good to go back to foundations of the Word and this particular book - commentary on 1 Corinthians - shows how similar things were happening in the first churches of the world too and how Paul was able to shine the truth of God’s Word on those situations.
August 1, 2022
Excellent Commentary
Be Wise (1 Corinthians) : Discern the Difference Between Man's Knowledge and God's Wisdom is an excellent guide for learning the difference between the knowledge of man and the wisdom of God. It's also a great source for a group or individual study of 1 Corinthians. No matter what your goal is, take your time going through each chapter and you will be greatly blessed by the insights you will acquire in your studies.
Be Wise (1 Corinthians) : Discern the Difference Between Man's Knowledge and God's Wisdom is an excellent guide for learning the difference between the knowledge of man and the wisdom of God. It's also a great source for a group or individual study of 1 Corinthians. No matter what your goal is, take your time going through each chapter and you will be greatly blessed by the insights you will acquire in your studies.
February 15, 2022
One of the best commentaries I have for making things, simple. 1 Corinthians has been very helpful with teaching on my podcast, but even more so in my daily walk with Christ. I have several Be Series and this one was just as informative and clear. As you focus on a book of the Bible, let this be one of your commentaries.
November 23, 2019
Inspirational
Dr. Wiersbe has a way of taking the Scriptures and making it so understandable. He ends this book with telling us to look forward to Christ return, to seek His wisdom, and to receive it with meekness as we put it into practice for Christ glory.
Dr. Wiersbe has a way of taking the Scriptures and making it so understandable. He ends this book with telling us to look forward to Christ return, to seek His wisdom, and to receive it with meekness as we put it into practice for Christ glory.
December 15, 2019
Basic Overview
It’s as if I was hearing Dr. Weirsbe preach as I read this commentary on 1 Corinthians. Certainly an easy read, and would be great for a believer who is studying Paul’s letter for the first time.
It’s as if I was hearing Dr. Weirsbe preach as I read this commentary on 1 Corinthians. Certainly an easy read, and would be great for a believer who is studying Paul’s letter for the first time.
December 4, 2018
Wiersbe does a great job making 1 Corinthians understandable.
December 5, 2019
Gave insight to my study of 1 Corinthians
September 9, 2020
Warren W. Wiersbe is always good!
November 7, 2022
The best companion through this series
March 7, 2024
I love all of the BE series. There were several areas where I felt I differed, but that is the way things go at times.
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July 11, 2025Warren Wiersbe is a bible scholar and writes so the novice can understand. I used this in my Bible Institute as the text book. Highly recommended study guide for the Christian believer.
June 28, 2020
This is Paul's first book to the church at Corinth. He founded this church on an earlier trip there. Now, the church is falling under the influence of the Judiaizers who are teaching that the Gentiles at Corinth must be circumcised as a Jew in order to become a Christian.
Paul uses this letter to contrast God's wisdom vs man's wisdom as it applies to the church at Corinth. As we read, however, we find that Paul's teaching applies as much to our lives today as it did to a first century church on the other side of the world.
Wiersbe does a good job explaining how Paul's words apply to us today.
Paul uses this letter to contrast God's wisdom vs man's wisdom as it applies to the church at Corinth. As we read, however, we find that Paul's teaching applies as much to our lives today as it did to a first century church on the other side of the world.
Wiersbe does a good job explaining how Paul's words apply to us today.
February 20, 2025
A simple and practical engagement with the content of I Corinthians. Wiersbe handles the text with modern application in the forefront of his mind. He doesn't deal with every major exegetical challenge, but does make it easy for modern readers to put the message of I Corinthians to practice in church life.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews