New Testament

Romans 1:22

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 1:22, the Apostle Paul highlights a common human tendency to overestimate our own wisdom.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

KJVKing James Version

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 1:22, the Apostle Paul highlights a common human tendency to overestimate our own wisdom. People often believe they are knowledgeable and enlightened, yet in doing so, they can become foolish. This verse serves as a warning against pride and self-deception. When individuals reject the truth of God and rely solely on their own understanding, they can easily fall into foolishness. This foolishness is not just a lack of knowledge but a moral failing that leads to poor choices and a distorted view of reality. The context of this verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s authority and wisdom over our own. True wisdom comes from acknowledging God and His truth, rather than relying on human reasoning alone. This passage encourages believers to seek divine guidance and to remain humble in their pursuit of knowledge, recognizing that true understanding begins with reverence for God.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 1:22 to your life

To apply this verse, we should regularly assess our beliefs and attitudes, ensuring they align with God's truth rather than our own assumptions. Cultivating humility and seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture can help us avoid the pitfalls of pride and foolishness in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 1:22 mean?

Romans 1:22 means that people often think they are wise but can actually become foolish when they reject God's truth. It warns against pride and self-deception, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's authority.

What is the meaning of 'claiming to be wise' in Romans 1:22?

'Claiming to be wise' refers to individuals who believe they have great understanding or knowledge. However, this self-perception can lead them to make foolish choices when they ignore God's wisdom.

How does Romans 1:22 relate to pride?

Romans 1:22 relates to pride by illustrating how self-proclaimed wisdom can lead to foolishness. It shows that when individuals are prideful and reject God's truth, they can make poor decisions and misunderstand reality.

What lesson can we learn from Romans 1:22?

The lesson from Romans 1:22 is to remain humble and seek God's wisdom rather than relying solely on our own understanding. It encourages believers to evaluate their beliefs against God's truth to avoid falling into foolishness.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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