In the interest of time and effort, I'm not putting a lot of effort into formatting and editing these posts. Just as Paul knew the gospel could be preached even if he didn't present it with skillful words, I will let go of my desire to get more readers by making the content pretty.
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As I read this passage, I must remember that this Scripture flows in context with what was said before. In verses 5-6, he talked about the church being "enriched in all speech and all knowledge" by God for the purpose of testifying to others in a way that confirms the gospel.
In verses 12-15, he appears to berate the church for following the eloquent words of preachers instead of the message they convey, elevating them to the point they brag about which famous apostle baptized them. He contrasts that with his own style in verse 17: "For Christ did not send me to baptize but the preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (emphasis mine).
This chapter so far seems to be about our attraction to the way things are preached instead of the message itself. The power is in the message, not the speaker.
Now to verses 18-31.
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The word (speaking/preaching/writing) of the cross is where the power lies, not in the speaking/preaching/writing itself.
For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will throat'. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" Two verses earlier, he warned that following eloquent words instead of the gospel would empty the cross of its power. He gifts us in "all speech and all knowledge", but even these gifts are nothing compared to the actual power and wisdom of God.
"Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" These wise people, scribes, debaters - they may not be "foolish" in the sense that they cannot preach the truth and be used by God. They are "foolish", again, in comparison with the actual message they preach.
"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach [note; can also be translated "preaching"] to save those who believe." As unbelievers we cannot appreciate the wisdom and power of God without hearing it in words. So he uses the words of people to convey it as a means to save those who believe.
"For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles..." What we believe doesn't make sense according to the wisdom of the world. The Jews couldn't comprehend that God would interrupt the same requirements he commanded earlier and instead fulfill them so they were no longer necessary. The practical Greeks see nothing except us the folly of us worshipping an invisible being, just as those venerated as wise and practical people of today see us.
"...but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Regardless of religion or nationality, those who are called will experience true power and true wisdom in knowing God - the same power and wisdom that doesn't make sense otherwise.
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