2 Corinthians 2:14

The natural man. Literally, “a natural man,” that is, a man who is not spiritual-minded; one unregenerate, whose interests are confined to the things of this life. Such a man depends on human wisdom for the solution of all his problems. He lives to please himself and to gratify the desires of the unconverted heart, hence is incapable of understanding and appreciating the things of God. To him the plan of salvation, the wonderful revelation of God’s love, is folly. He cannot distinguish between worldly philosophy and spiritual truth because the wisdom of God is understood only by those who permit themselves to be taught by the Holy Spirit. Spiritually. Man cannot arrive at spiritual truth unaided (see on vs. 9, 10). Discerned. Gr. anakrino, “to examine,” “to investigate,” here to arrive at truth after examination and judging. Compare the use of anakrino in Luke 23:14; Acts 4:9; 1 Cor. 2:15; 10:25; etc.