1 Corinthians 14:20

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

1 Corinthians 14:20 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address challenges in the Corinthian church, including disorder in worship. In chapter 14, he emphasizes order and edification in the exercise of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and speaking in tongues. This verse is part of that instruction, calling believers to discernment in evaluating spiritual matters.

Meaning

Paul addresses the believers as “brethren,” reminding them of their common bond in Christ. He urges them not to be “children in understanding,” meaning they should not remain naive or easily deceived in their thinking. Instead, they are to grow in knowledge and discernment of spiritual truths.

In contrast, Paul tells them to be “children in malice.” Here, “malice” refers to ill-will, wickedness, or an inclination toward evil. Believers are to maintain childlike innocence and purity, free from malicious intentions. This is not a call to ignorance but to moral simplicity and sincerity.

The phrase “in understanding be men” calls for spiritual maturity. Paul encourages the Corinthians to develop the wisdom and discernment of grown men, able to evaluate teaching and practice. This maturity guards against both intellectual pride and moral corruption.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the Old Testament wisdom tradition, which contrasts the naive with the wise. Proverbs repeatedly urges readers to attain wisdom and understanding, warning against being simpletons easily led astray. Paul applies that call for maturity to the Corinthians’ conduct in the church.

Application

Believers today are called to the same balance: a mind that is sharp and discerning, and a heart that is pure and untainted by malice. Spiritual maturity involves both knowledge and character. It is not enough to be doctrinally sound; one must also be morally pure. Conversely, moral innocence without understanding leaves one vulnerable to false teaching.

Reflection

This verse challenges us to examine both our thinking and our hearts. Are we growing in understanding, or are we content with a shallow faith? Are we guarding our hearts against malice, or have we allowed bitterness to take root? The goal is a balanced maturity: wise as serpents and harmless as doves, fully developed in discernment yet childlike in innocence.