Paul is writing into the context of the Corinthians having added to or even replaced the words of the cross with Greek philosphy and wisdom which was very prevelant in the culture. He uses the word wisdom over and over kind of mocking their probable language as they had split into groups following leaders with new ideas. The message of the cross certainly is foolish, a scandal to the Jews(messiah killed on the cross) and foolishness to the greeks. Some light is shed on the argument at the end of chapter 2 where Paul declares that it is only through the sovereign revealing of the Spirit that the message can be percieved by men as anything other than foolish. This should be a proof to us that we are the people of God, we do believe what would naturally be thought of as foolish.

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Bruce
PCUSA
Ocean City NJ