Paul was apparently compared unfavorably to more eloquent and learned preachers who came after him. He defends himself. “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.” “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” God offers us not worldly wisdom and human strength, but the brokenness of the cross.