“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”– 1 Corinthians 14:20 (KJV)
“Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.”– 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NLT)
“So, friends, don’t be childish in your thinking. Be innocent like babies when it comes to evil, but think like an adult in your thinking.”– 1 Corinthians 14:20 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 14:20 Mean?
In this verse, Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about the importance of understanding and maturity in faith. He contrasts childlike innocence in matters of evil with the need for adults to possess deep knowledge and wisdom in spiritual matters. The church at Corinth is addressed not just as a group of believers but as a body that needed guidance in the complexities of worship, especially regarding the spiritual gifts they were using and valuing.
Being childish in understanding does not mean we should embrace naivety or foolishness in our learning about God and our faith. Instead, Paul encourages us to grow deeper in our understanding and application of the Gospel. The phrase “be not children in understanding” indicates that we should strive for maturity and wisdom as we grow in our faith. Paul emphasizes that spiritual growth involves moving beyond basic teachings to grasp more profound truths about God, our role in the church, and our relationships with one another.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Explanation and Commentary
The Apostle Paul understood that the Corinthian church faced various challenges. They were passionate about their faith but often lacked the maturity to use their gifts appropriately. This resulted in confusion and disorder during worship services, especially concerning speaking in tongues and prophesying. Paul’s guidance in this verse serves as a reminder that our faith is not merely about our feelings or experiences; it is about understanding God’s truth deeply.
Paul implores us to be wise and discerning in our understanding — this does not mean that we do not have fun or can’t be light-hearted in our approach. However, it calls for us to take the time to learn more about God, His ways, and what He expects of us as His followers. The maturity Paul speaks of is not just for personal benefit, but also for the health and unity of the church as a whole. As we engage with God’s Word, we should strive to develop an adult-like, discerning perspective that can collectively shape our community.
As we think more critically, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. We can study scripture but still need to be sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings in understanding God’s guidance. Recognizing that we need outside help can be humbling. Yet, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers fosters unity and builds stronger communities through shared wisdom.
Furthermore, as we mature in our understanding, we become equipped to support younger or less mature believers. We are called to be examples of Christ-like behavior, nurturing a spirit of love and encouragement as we grow together.
This creates an environment where all can flourish and learn about God’s truth. In reflecting on our individual paths, we must remember that maturity takes time, experiences and open hearts willing to grow.
Context of 1 Corinthians 14:20
To fully appreciate this verse, we need to grasp the context in which it was written. Paul is addressing issues surrounding spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church, particularly emphasizing the need for love and order in worship. Earlier in the chapter, he entreated the believers to pursue love while eagerly craving spiritual gifts. He stresses that the gifts should be used for the common good and should build up the church community.
In a bustling city like Corinth, there were many beliefs and practices that could easily lead believers astray. Paul recognized that many of the church members were enthusiastic about their spiritual gifts, but this enthusiasm often led them to experiences that could create confusion. Paul’s insights in chapter 14 teach that God is a God of order. He wants worship to be meaningful and accessible to everyone present, so clarity of understanding is vital.
As the church navigated issues concerning speaking in tongues and prophesy, Paul wanted to ensure they approached these gifts with maturity and insight, highlighting that knowledge and love must guide their actions.
Understanding this context allows us to see Paul’s exhortation as not just a reprimand but an urgent plea for the church to reflect Christ’s love through their actions. It is a charge to grow in understanding for the sake of unity and effective ministry within the body of believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 14:20
Let’s break down the key components of the verse for better understanding. First, Paul starts with, “Brethren, be not children in understanding.” This phrase signifies that he is speaking to fellow believers, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ. Calling them “brethren” fosters a sense of connection and brotherhood, encouraging unity that transcends differences.
Next, Paul contrasts being like children with the idea of being like men. This contrast is significant; being childlike can sometimes be perceived positively, especially in avoiding malice. However, Paul notes that when it comes to understanding, it’s essential to act maturely. We recognize that maturity in faith does not push us away from wonder and exploration but invites us to engage in theological and spiritual curiosity.
The phrase “but in malice be ye children” suggests that while we should become sophisticated in our understanding of God, we should remain innocent of evil. Instead of absorbing negativity or immaturity, we should display goodness and purity, mirroring Christ’s nature.
This idea is beautifully echoed in other scriptures, such as Romans 16:19, which says, “I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” We are to focus on the good, letting our hearts be filled with love and kindness, while realizing that the world can be filled with malice and deceit. Awareness is essential; however, overindulging in negative knowledge can callous our hearts.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 14:20
As we reflect on this verse, there are numerous lessons we can draw from Paul’s message. One significant takeaway is the importance of spiritual growth. We should cultivate a desire for deeper understanding, taking time to read Scripture, pray, and engage in discussions with other believers.
Another lesson is the recognition of our communal responsibility. We are each part of the body of Christ, called to support one another in growth and understanding of God’s Word. Mature believers should actively help guide new believers, creating mentorship and discipleship opportunities that encourage a collective journey toward maturity.
Additionally, we learn that growing in faith and knowledge does not remove our call to be innocent or childlike in our interactions. We must approach our relationships and dealings with others in a loving, gentle manner, reminiscent of Jesus. Being wise in our understanding helps us communicate effectively, especially with others who may have different beliefs or perspectives.
As we become wiser in our faith, we may face challenges and confusion. Instead of allowing these challenges to discourage us, we should seek counsel through prayer and trusted brothers or sisters in Christ. The beauty of being part of a church community is sharing each other’s burdens and joys together.
Final Thoughts
In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul gives us a valuable reminder of the importance of understanding and maturity in our faith. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexities around us, but we can embrace growth through study, dialogue, and prayer. Engaging with Scripture allows us to discover deeper truths that shape our understanding of God’s nature and our role in His plan.
Our faith journey is not just about knowledge. It is also about how we love others and model Christ-like behavior as we mature in our understanding of the divine mystery. As we strive to be more like Christ, let us not forget to cultivate childlike innocence when it comes to evil while pursuing a deeper understanding of His Word and will for our lives.
Those seeking more insight into spiritual growth and maturity may find exploring other scriptures helpful. For further reading, consider checking out 1 Corinthians 14:17 and discover additional facets of Paul’s teachings.