1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are (KJV)

Then: Sounds a bit like a riddle. In a way it is. What God does takes a while to consider and figure out because he doesn't see things the way people do, especially the bickering, struggling Corinthians. Here they are despising and looking down on the views of people not in their "party." And there's God saying he chose those ideas and people. He even picked out people who were "nothings" to lead the way to ending the wisdom and folly of mankind. As they listened Corinthians realized that no matter their social standing, before Christ they were "nothings." After accepting the Truth, they became part of the plan of "bringing to nought" the pride and assumed knowledge of those still outside God's circle of knowledge. Baker (p. 40) calls this social reversal.

Now: Not much has changed. All church members need to recognize God's plan, their former state and their new mission in the Lord's kingdom - teach, pray for and bring to nought the folly and false wisdom of non-believers. How can that be effected if the believers behave scandously?

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.