Note 10 at 1 Cor. 1:26: Those who are well educated and successful by the world's standards might feel that these passages mean they could never be used by God. That's not the case. Paul didn't say that no wise men were called. He said that not many were called.

Paul, himself, was probably one of the smartest men of his day. He was educated by one of the greatest leaders of the Jews (see note 1 at Acts 5:34, p. 599). He spoke Greek and Hebrew fluently, which was exceptional for his time. And others readily recognized his training (Acts 26:24). Therefore, the man who was writing this verse would certainly fit into the category that he was denouncing.

The Lord has not put a premium on ignorance. It is just that the vast majority of those who are wise and respected in the eyes of the world are swelled up with pride and depend on their own abilities. Those who have the most in talents and abilities have the most to give up. Those who are nothing and know it, find it easier to transfer all their dependency to the Lord. It took Paul at least 14 years of intensively seeking the Lord to make the transition (Gal. 2:1).

If a wise man, by human standards, will humble himself and depend on God's wisdom, then God will use that man the same as He did Paul.