1 Corinthians 1: 18, 23-28, 3:18-19, 4:10
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us widom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sights. We are fools for Christ...We are weak...we are dishonored.
C.H. Spurgeon, “The Mustard Seed”
Today there is not very much gospel about; the church has given it up; a great many preachers preach everything but the living truth. This is sad; but it is a strong reason why you and I should teach more gospel than ever. I have often thought to myself – Other men may teach Socialism, deliver lectures, or collect a band of fiddlers, that they may gather a congregation; but I will preach the gospel. I will preach more gospel than ever if I can; I will stick more to the one cardinal point. The other brethren can attend to the odds and ends, but I will keep to Christ crucified. To the men of vast ability, who are looking to the events of the day, I would say, ‘Allow one poor fool to keep to preaching the gospel.’ Beloved teachers, be fools for Christ, and keep to the gospel. Don’t you be afraid: it has life in it, and it will grow: only you bring it out, and let it grow.
Jim Elliot
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.