¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(A) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a];^(B)

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God.

³ But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,^(A) your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(A) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(B) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^(C)

¹⁶ Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you.^(A) Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!