I tried to find it, but there is scripture about the unsaved being confused by the Bible, that the Holy Spirit guides us in our understanding.
A few years ago a neighbor wanted to read the “Christmas” story out of one of the new translations and was quite embarrassed. Here, let me whip out that KJV and read you what you know it to be.
Could this be the passage you are remembering:
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.”
— 2 Corinthians 2:13-15
I can think of others, but that one is certainly applicable.
Based on John 6:45 we know that all who come to Christ will be “taught of God.” I believe that means that not only will they hear the gospel, but they will be given spiritual ears to really hear it and a heart to understand and believe it.
A passage that fascinates me concerns parables. Jesus said He used parables to confuse the people and keep them from understanding, for He did not want them converted (Matt 13:11-15).
“Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. . . .Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. . . . lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
Most men cannot stand the idea of Jesus Christ being a sovereign King, who shows His truth only to His elect, but that is precisely what Scripture teaches.
Our glorious Lord has concealed His truth from the wise and prudent, and He has revealed it unto babes - even His elect (Matthew 11:25-27).
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”