1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)
6 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:
Howbeit is an adverb most English speakers do not use anymore. Notice I am using the King James Version. You might ask why not use another translation since we don’t use that word anymore? I do use other translations, but by using the KJV for study it compels me to look up words I might simply pass over when reading a 21st century translation.
The word howbeit in our contemporary vocabulary just means nevertheless, or however. Knowing the contemporary meaning of this particular word doesn’t change the interpretation of the passage. But because we have now studied it and we know what it means, now we know three words. Instead of just knowing the meaning of nevertheless, and however, we know what howbeit means; our vocabulary has increased and we have just become a litte smarter!
Howbeit, let’s move on.
We don’t speak the wisdom of men, however we do speak wisdom among them that are perfect, that is, those who are mature…but again, Paul is driving home the truth that our wisdom is not worldly wisdom (stuff we learn in philosophy class at the university).
Nor is it wisdom of princes of this world: Rulers, leaders, judges, and others who seem so wise; we might be intimidated by them. They are here today and gone tomorrow and their wisdom goes to the grave with them, it comes to nought.
