Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Ver. 6. Wisdom among the perfect] Or those that are grown to maturity. Some think the apostle horroweth this term from the pagans' superstition, who admitted none to their most secret ceremonies, but only persons well prepared and purified for many years.
Yet not the wisdom, &c.] Which is like the labour of moles, that dig dexterously underground, but are blind above ground, and never open their eyes, saith Pliny, till pangs of death are upon them. Cry we after Christ, as the blind man in the gospel did, who when he was asked, What wouldst thou have? "Lord," saith he, "that mine eyes may be opened." Philosophers observe, that lumen est vehiculum influentiae; light begets the flower in the field, the pearl in the sea, the precious stone in the earth; so the foundation of all renovation is illumination. O cry aloud to the Father of lights, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6. This will hold out, when the wisdom of this world and the philosophorum facile principes "come to nought."
That come to nought] That are tumbled into hell with all their learning (nos cum doctrinis nostris, &c. Aug.), which doth but light them into utter darkness.