1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Brethren {G80}, be {G1096} not {G3361} children {G3813} in understanding {G5424}: howbeit {G235} in malice {G2549} be ye children {G3515}, but {G1161} in understanding {G5424} be {G1096} men {G5046}.

Brothers, don’t be children in your thinking. In evil, be like infants; but in your thinking, be grown-up.

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.

Context of 1 Corinthians 14:20

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 14, is primarily addressing the proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, particularly the gifts of tongues and prophecy. The Corinthians were often misusing these gifts, leading to disorder and a lack of edification during their worship gatherings. They seemed to prioritize showy expressions over genuine spiritual growth and the building up of the community. In this verse, Paul shifts from specific instructions on gifts to a broader appeal for spiritual maturity, challenging their current mindset and behavior, which he perceives as childish.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Maturity vs. Childishness: The core message is a strong call for believers to grow up in their understanding of spiritual matters. Paul implies that their behavior, particularly their competitive and disorderly approach to spiritual gifts, reflects an immature, self-centered perspective. True Christian growth involves moving beyond spiritual infancy to develop sound judgment and discernment in matters of faith and practice.
  • Innocence in Malice: Paul introduces a crucial distinction: while maturity is required in understanding, believers should retain a childlike innocence concerning evil. This means being pure in heart, free from wickedness, ill-will, envy, or the destructive motives that can accompany spiritual immaturity. It's a call to be untainted by the corrupting influence of the world and to avoid participating in or even fully comprehending the depths of evil.
  • Pursuit of Wisdom and Discernment: The verse reiterates the importance of developing a mature intellect and spiritual discernment. This isn't just about accumulating knowledge, but about applying spiritual truths with wisdom and sound judgment, especially in how one lives out their faith and contributes to the body of Christ. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on the supremacy of love in 1 Corinthians 13, which is the hallmark of spiritual maturity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "children" used here is paidion (παιδίον), which can refer to a young child, even an infant, emphasizing immaturity and a lack of developed reasoning. In contrast, "understanding" translates from phren (φρήν), which denotes the mind, intellect, or the faculty of practical understanding and sound judgment. "Malice" is kakia (κακία), encompassing wickedness, evil, depravity, or ill-will. Paul's contrast highlights that while believers should grow in intellectual and spiritual discernment (phren), they should remain innocent and unpracticed in evil (kakia), like a child.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 14:20 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It prompts us to honestly assess our spiritual growth: Are we actively seeking to deepen our understanding of God's Word and His will, or are we content with a superficial faith? It encourages us to pursue wisdom and discernment, particularly in how we engage with spiritual practices, interact within the church community, and navigate the complexities of life. Simultaneously, the verse offers a powerful reminder to guard our hearts against malice, envy, and destructive intentions, striving for a childlike purity in our motivations and actions. We are called to be wise as serpents but harmless as doves, combining spiritual maturity with genuine innocence concerning evil.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11

    When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

  • 1 Peter 2:2

    As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

  • Matthew 18:3

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Ephesians 4:14

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  • Ephesians 4:15

    But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back