Romans 1:22

Professing themselues to be wise, they became fooles:
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Professing to be wise, they became fools,
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
- American Standard Version (1901)

Seeming to be wise, they were in fact foolish,
- Basic English Bible

professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
- Darby Bible

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools:
- Webster's Bible

While boasting of their wisdom they became utter fools,
- Weymouth Bible

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
- World English Bible

For thei `seiynge that hem silf weren wise, thei weren maad foolis.
- Wycliffe Bible

professing to be wise, they were made fools,
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for Romans 1:22

1:20 For those things of him which are invisible, are seen - By the eye of the mind. Being understood - They are seen by them, and them only, who use their understanding

1:21 Because, knowing God - For the wiser heathens did know that there was one supreme God; yet from low and base considerations they conformed to the idolatry of the vulgar. They did not glorify him as God, neither were thankful - They neither thanked him for his benefits, nor glorified him for his divine perfection. But became vain - Like the idols they worshipped. In their reasonings - Various, uncertain, foolish. What a terrible instance have we of this in the writings of Lucretius! What vain reasonings, and how dark a heart, amidst so pompous professions of wisdom!

1:23 And changed - With the utmost folly. Here are three degrees of ungodliness and of punishment: the first is described, #Rom 1:21 |- 24; the second, #Rom 1:25 |- 27; the third, in #Rom 1:28|, and following verses. The punishment in each case is expressed by God gave them up. If a man will not worship God as God, he is so left to himself that he throws away his very manhood. Reptiles - Or creeping things; as beetles, and various kinds of serpents.

1:24 Wherefore - One punishment of sin is from the very nature of it, as #Rom 1:27|; another, as here, is from vindictive justice. Uncleanness - Ungodliness and uncleanness are frequently joined, #1Thes 4:5 as are the knowledge of God and purity|. God gave them up - By withdrawing his restraining grace.