Note 10 at 1Co 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 people were called; he said that not many were called.

Paul himself was probably one of the smartest people of his day. He was educated by one of the greatest leaders of the Jews (see note 1 at Ac 5:34); he spoke Greek and Hebrew fluently, which was exceptional for his time; and others readily recognized his training (Ac 26:24). Therefore, the man who wrote 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 most 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 plenty of talents and abilities have plenty 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 fourteen years of intensively seeking the Lord to make the transition (Ga 2:1).

If those considered wise by human standards will humble themselves and depend on God's wisdom, then God will use them the same as He did Paul.