1 Corinthians 4:10

⁸ Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!

⁹ For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

¹¹ To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

¹² We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
KJV: We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
WEB: We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
ASV: We are fools for Christ`s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.
DARBY: *We* [are] fools for Christ's sake, but *ye* prudent in Christ: *we* weak, but *ye* strong: *ye* glorious, but *we* in dishonour.
BLB: We [are] fools on account of Christ, but you⁺ [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but you⁺ [are] strong; you⁺ [are] glorious, but we [are] without honor.

ÅB: Vi er dårer for Kristi skyld, men dere er kloke i Kristus; vi er skrøpelige, men dere er sterke; dere er hedret, men vi er æreløse.
OTB: Vi er dårer for Kristi skyld, men dere er vise i Kristus; vi er svake, men dere er sterke; dere er æret, men vi er uten ære.
B1930: Vi er dårer for Kristi skyld, men I er kloke i Kristus; vi er skrøpelige, men I er sterke; I er hedret, men vi er æreløse.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

1 Corinthians 2:3
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
Read in context
Acts 26:24
At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
Read in context
1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 13:9
In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
Read in context
Acts 17:18
Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.
Read in context
1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 11:19
For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise.
Read in context
Hosea 9:7
The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.
Read in context