1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't saying we should be childish about everything; he's making a brilliant distinction! He wants us to be utterly naive about evil – like a baby who doesn't understand its danger – but actively grow up in our understanding and reasoning about God and spiritual matters.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. He's just spent a lot of time talking about prophecy and speaking in tongues, and he's urging them to use these gifts in a way that builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call for them to grow up and apply wisdom to how they operate spiritually, rather than being easily swayed or focused on immature displays.
Ever feel like some spiritual ideas are a bit... underdeveloped? Paul addresses this directly, calling for a shift in how we approach spiritual matters.
Paul uses a powerful analogy here. He urges believers not to be like children when it comes to their understanding of spiritual gifts and their use. Children are often impulsive, easily swayed, and lack deep discernment. Paul wants the Corinthian church (and us!) to move beyond surface-level understanding and immature reactions in spiritual matters. This isn't about discouraging wonder, but about cultivating wisdom and insight.
The Danger of Immaturity
Immature thinking can lead to:
Paul's call is for intentional growth, for thinking deeply about God's ways.
There's a stark contrast Paul draws between two types of spiritual growth. One is about embracing innocence, the other about cultivating profound discernment.
Paul contrasts being 'infants in evil' with being 'mature in thinking.' This isn't a contradiction; it's a call to different kinds of spiritual development.
Innocence vs. Discernment
Understand the original words
paidion · Greek Noun
A metaphorical reference to those who lack discernment, maturity, or stable doctrine, often prone to instability or spiritual gullibility.
kakia · Greek Noun
Refers to malice, depravity, or active wickedness; biblically, Christians are called to be innocent of evil intentions or harmful actions.
teleios · Greek Adjective
Refers to completeness, moral stability, and mental/spiritual soundness; one who has moved past the elementary stages of faith to a state of godly wisdom and discernment.
Paul uses the analogy of spiritual growth, moving from childish understanding to adult maturity, mirroring the call for mature thinking in chapter 14.
Hebrews 5:12-14This passage also contrasts spiritual immaturity ('milk') with the ability to grasp deeper truths ('solid food'), directly aligning with the need for mature thinking.
Ephesians 4:14It warns against being 'tossed to and fro by the waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine,' emphasizing the danger of immature thinking in matters of faith.
Philippians 3:15Paul encourages believers to aim for maturity ('mind of the same kind'), echoing the call for developed, mature thinking in spiritual matters.
Paul isn't saying we should be childish about everything; he's making a brilliant distinction! He wants us to be utterly naive about evil – like a baby who doesn't understand its danger – but actively grow up in our understanding and reasoning about God and spiritual matters.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. He's just spent a lot of time talking about prophecy and speaking in tongues, and he's urging them to use these gifts in a way that builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call for them to grow up and apply wisdom to how they operate spiritually, rather than being easily swayed or focused on immature displays.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and often self-serving use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. He's just spent a lot of time talking about prophecy and speaking in tongues, and he's urging them to use these gifts in a way that builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call for them to grow up and apply wisdom to how they operate spiritually, rather than being easily swayed or focused on immature displays.
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"Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature." — Paul isn't saying we should be childish about everything; he's making a brilliant distinction! He wants us to be utterly naive about evil – like a baby who doesn't understand its danger – but *active…
