Note 1 at 1 Cor. 2:6: This phrase, "princes of this world," is used here and again in verse 8. The Greek word that was translated "princes" is "archon," meaning "a first (in rank or power)." Therefore, it could be referring to the wisest men of the world. However, that would seem to be redundant. The previous phrase had already mentioned the wisdom of this world.

This same word was translated "prince" 7 times, referring to demonic power (Mt. 9:34; 12:24; Mk. 3:22; Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 2:2). Therefore, the majority of scholars believe this is referring to the demonic powers which are ultimately responsible for carnal wisdom (Helps for Translators, p. 46). It is possible that this phrase has a double meaning.

It is certain that neither carnal man nor demonic powers understand the spiritual things of God because that only comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit (see note 6 at v. 11, p. 868). This is a very vital piece of information.

Most people give too much credit to Satan. They feel that because he is a spirit being, he is all knowing as God is. That is not the case. All of God's wisdom is hidden in Christ (1 Cor. 1:24,30; Col. 2:3). No one or no thing outside of Christ has access to God's wisdom. That rules out the devils.

Satan is not stupid when compared to man. He has been at this for thousands of years. No man can match Satan in his own carnal wisdom. But when compared to God's wisdom, Satan is very stupid. Anyone who thinks he could successfully rebel against God has to be stupid.

Satan does not understand spiritual truths. Although he is a spirit, he is operating in the same inferior wisdom that man uses. He's the author of that kind of thinking. Even though he knows what God's Word says, he doesn't understand it and cannot take the appropriate evasive action. This is the point that Paul is making in verse eight.

If Satan could have understood the spiritual things of God, he would never have inspired his followers to crucify Jesus. Jesus had clearly prophesied his death and resurrection as the means by which he would provide salvation (see note 1 at Mt. 16:21, p. 261). He even said publicly that crucifixion was the type of death that He would suffer (see note 10 at Jn. 12:32, p. 417).

Yet, the devil missed it. Satan's ego would not let him believe that once he had Jesus dead in the heart of the earth that he could ever escape. He was totally wrong. And, in like manner, he will fulfill all the things that God said he would in the end times although the book of Revelation has God's victory printed in black and white.

The believer who operates in God's wisdom is infinitely wiser than the devil. As we walk in the Spirit, Satan has no idea of what we are doing any more than do the unbelievers of this world. The wisdom of Christ, which we often take for granted, is a wonderful gift which the princes of this world do not have.