Definition: And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 3:20. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling one! Here's what it means in simple terms: “And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” Basically, this verse is saying that God knows what people are thinking – even the clever, insightful, and ambitious ones. But these thoughts aren’t necessarily good or righteous. Let's unpack it a little further: “The Lord knoweth…” : This means God knows things. It's not just about remembering; it’s about understanding. “…the thoughts of the wise…” : This refers to people who are clever, thoughtful, and often trying to understand the world around them. They’re thinking deeply about things. "...that they are vain." : This is the key part. “Vain” means lacking in truth, goodness, or moral uprightness. It means being self-centered, preoccupied with their own importance, and not truly concerned with what's right or true. They might be focusing on themselves rather than helping others or following God’s will. So, the whole verse is saying: God sees the deep thoughts of intelligent people, but these thoughts are often driven by self-interest and aren’t really about good things. Why is this a bit tricky? It's a warning against pride. We all have thoughts – we think about ourselves, our accomplishments, and what we want. But when those thoughts become excessive and lead us to be selfish or misguided, it can be a sign of a fall from grace. In short: This verse is a reminder that God sees our minds, but he also judges our intentions and the quality of our thinking – and warns against being overly focused on ourselves. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of this verse within 1 Corinthians How it relates to Christian ethics and humility